Akash Patel will raise funds for The Children’s Trust on April 21

A surgeon from Neasden will be swapping his scrubs for his trainers by taking part in this year’s Virgin London Marathon on behalf of a children’s charity.

Akash Patel, of Warren Road, has already raised more than £1,200 for The Children’s Trust before he’s even started the event which will take place on April 21.

A trauma and orthopaedic surgeon for Imperial College Hospitals, the 32-year-old has been integrating training into his rota and admits it hasn’t been easy.

He said: “Running the marathon is going to be a massive challenge, especially with such a hectic lifestyle.

“It would be perfect if there were more hours in the day to work, study, sleep and run! My work helping people as a surgeon is always my priority off course, but my training has been progressing steadily and I’ve been enjoying it.”

It will be Dr Patel’s first marathon and the money he raises will be donated to the children’s charity which provides care for some of the UK’s most severely disabled youngsters, as well the UK’s largest residential rehabilitation centre for children with an acquired brain injury.

Speaking about the cause he said: “The charity undertakes excellent work. As a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, I am involved in assessing and managing children with injuries, including spinal and brain, and understand the importance and necessity of rehabilitation.

“The Children’s trust provides excellent rehabilitation services for kids following these potentially devastating injuries and this really makes a difference to their lives.”

To sponsor Dr Patel visit http://www.justgiving.com/akash1981patel.

If you have a marathon place but have not chosen a charity to run for you can find out about running for The Children’s Trust marathon team by visiting www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk.