AFTER giving up smoking and losing four stone in weight, Lyme Regis lifeboat helmsman Martin Croad is facing his next major challenge.

Martin – better known as Myrtle by his RNLI colleagues – is in serious training for the London Marathon.

He is running up to 50 miles a week in preparation for the event on April 21.

He won the chance to take part in the marathon in a draw staged by members of the Axe Valley Runners.

Martin, 33, said: “I was smoking 15 cigarettes a day until I gave up two years ago and I weighed 16 and a half stones.

“I joined the Axe Valley club and now I weigh in at 12 stones 3lbs.

“I had given up football and I just piled on the weight.

“I really wanted to get fit, and although it has not been easy I am delighted with the result and the chance of a lifetime to run the London Marathon.”

Martin’s target is four hours for the course, and he is hoping to raise money for the RNLI and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Any donations can be sent to the RNLI shop on the Cobb at Lyme Regis or to the Lifeboat Station, The Cobb, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JJ, for the attention of the lifeboat treasurer, John Dover.