HE prefers four wheels as a method of transport but Dave Allen, Worcester's Brooklyn Toyota general manager, will be leaving the cars behind when he enters the Flora London Marathon on April 22 to raise money for Leukaemia CARE.

Dave will be running alongside his brother-in-law Chris Heath, who lives in Bournemouth, after a dare during a holiday saw them challenge each other to enter the 26-mile race.

They will join a total of 35,000 participants, all pounding the streets of London. The field will including world championship athletes and celebrities. The race, from Blackheath to Buckingham Palace, has become the biggest single one day fund-raising event in the UK.

"It was a daft dare and I'm living to regret it," said Dave. "I've been training at least three times during the week as well as doing a long run at the weekend and I'm aching all over.

"I can comfortably manage 17 miles now, which is great, but I've still got a long way to go. I'm sure the adrenaline will kick in and I'll finish the race.

"It's something I really want to achieve as I've got arthritis in one knee so I may not be able to do it in a few years time."

Dave chose to run for Leukaemia CARE because Brooklyn Toyota has supported the charity, which is located just a stone's throw from the Blackpole-based dealership, on many occasions.

"I know people who have suffered from leukaemia and I know that Leukaemia CARE does a great job, providing support for patients, their family, friends and carers," he said.