Man to run London Marathon dressed as robin

A man from Devon is set to compete in the London Marathon and attempt to break a world record in memory of his two babies who died.

James Ashforth, 35, from Axminster, will take on the marathon on Sunday for his children Luca and Leila who were still-born.

He has raised more than £6,000 so far for Tommy's Charity, which supports parents who have lost children.

He said there was a "great sense of pride" in running for the charity which helped him and his wife "through difficult times".

He added: "Having to deal with my own emotions [during baby loss] and also trying to be that supportive pillar of strength as well, it's fantastic to raise so much money to give back to them to help other families who might be struggling during those difficult times."

He said he would attempt to break the world record for the fastest half marathon and full marathon - all while dressed as a robin.

Mr Ashforth said it had a special meaning.

"There's an old saying when a robin comes to see you, it's a beloved lost one who's coming to greet you and check in with you," he said.

"We had two little soft toys of a robin which we had with Luca and we swapped them over when we said goodbye so Luca had ours and we had his so every time we see a robin we greet them as Luca and Leila."

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