ANIMAL lover Nathan Cook is hoping he will have the strength of a rhino, the speed of a cheetah, and the heart of a lion on Sunday.

ANIMAL lover Nathan Cook is hoping he will have the strength of a rhino, the speed of a cheetah, and the heart of a lion on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Ipswich man has been training hard for this weekend's London Marathon, with a rigorous regime to get him in top shape for the challenge.

Mr Cook's efforts have already seen him raise more than �1,250 for veterinary charity PDSA, and he hopes to collect even more for the cause.

Mr Cook, a senior account manager at Cheeze, a digital marketing agency, said he had never even run 10k before deciding he would take on the 26.4-mile London course.

But since taking the plunge Mr Cook, of Faraday Road, Ipswich, has been going to the gym regularly, running at least twice a week, as well as taking part in a half marathon in preparation for his marathon mission.

“I'm feeling great about the marathon and I'm on schedule with my training,” the former Copleston High School pupil said.

“I can't wait to run the marathon as everyone has said the atmosphere is amazing.

“I needed the motivation to get myself fit and active and what better way than to take part in the world's largest race. Knowing I'm raising funds for such a worthy cause as PDSA keeps me going too.

“I'm very proud to be running for PDSA as I know how important their work is, treating sick and injured pets of people in need.

“I'm an animal lover myself and have a fantastic dog called Gizmo who is a rescue dog himself. I decided to make my marathon challenge a way to help ensure PDSA's good work continues.”

To support Nathan Cook visit www.justgiving.com/nathan_cook.

Are you taking on a marathon challenge? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.