HE had achieved the incredible feat of going from couch to marathon-ready, motivated by a desire to raise money for charity.

But Anthony Walsh's dreams were shattered just the week before race day after he was diagnosed with the debilitating condition colitis.

The 44-year-old was determined not to let the disappointment stop him - and now he's back at the starting line.

Anthony said: "I had worked really hard to get myself fit for the race.

"I had started training to be able to do a 5k and then I just kept going; kept putting one foot in front of the other, quite literally.

"I became determined that I was going to run a marathon and was so pleased when the charity Women's Aid gave me one of their places for the London Marathon.

"I had thought a man running in support of a women's charity was a positive statement and I had everything ready.

"But then I was robbed of my moment of glory.

"To say I was disappointed would be a colossal and profound understatement."

Anthony had been well aware he had a health problem but had repeatedly put off going to the doctor to get checked out.

Colitis is inflammation of the lining of the large intestine and, for Anthony, meant he was having to race to the loo "with barely a moment's notice".

He is now on a strict regime of steroids to keep the condition under control and, fortunately, his training has been able to go ahead without more flare ups.

Anthony only began running in 2016 after feeling the need to do something to keep fit.

After getting himself up to 5k standard he had caught the bug.

He said: "I'd like to also inspire others to take up jogging because I hadn't done any before April 2016 and now I'm running two marathons.

"It really is a great way to keep fit.

"I had got myself fit after running the Paisley 10k and the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon but then gave up for a while.

"I had to start over again and I really noticed the difference when I wasn't running."

Anthony is now running the London Marathon, on April 28, and the Edinburgh Marathon, on May 26.

During both events he is trying to raise cash for Oxfam.

He said: "I also have a persistent injury to the top of my right thigh and a weak left knee that I have to treat daily.

"This helps clearly illustrate that all of these running events are a one-off because my body is suggesting I rest instead of doing the complete and utter opposite of increasing my running distances.

"But Oxfam is an amazing charity helping people living in poverty around the globe so it will be worth it."

You can catch up with Anthony's preparations at his Facebook page, Anthony Running For Charity

To donate to his efforts see www.justgiving.com/anthonywalshrunningforoxfam/