A man who has been wheelchair bound for five years is going to race his able-bodied cousin to the finish line of a marathon.

Greg Roden, 34, has suffered from multiple sclerosis for the last ten years, and has not walked for five years, but will attempt to beat his cousin Larissa Clarke across the line of the Edinburgh Marathon.

Greg will complete the 26-mile distance on a specialist motorised exercise bike, setting off at the same time of his cousin and racing her to the finish in order to raise money for The Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre in Bedford.

Greg, of Abigail Close, Luton, said: "I think I might have bitten off a bit more than I can chew, but I'm going to do it. I really wanted to help Larissa and knew I had to come up with a good idea.

"Now I don't know whether she thinks I'm helping her or stealing her thunder."

Larissa, 35, who lives in Kempston, said: "When Greg heard I was raising awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis he was determined to do something to support me.

"He is a total inspiration but to take this challenge on even his friends think he's mad, but then comedy is his passion so maybe that has something to do with it."

Larissa will also be taking part in the Sport Relief six mile run in Bedford, kicking off at 10am on Sunday, March 21, before travelling to Luton to take part in the town's Sport Relief Mile with Greg, who will complete the distance in his wheelchair, that afternoon.

Greg has also been training each day using his specialist exercise bike and recording his progress on a YouTube video blog.

To follow his training blog visit www.youtube.com/user/GregSitDownStandUp

Anyone wishing to sponsor the duo can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/larissa-seabrook or www.justgiving.com/Greg-Roden