When Peter Snell broke his ankle his plans for tomorrow's London marathon were in ruins.

But, rather like the Bionic Man from the 1970s television show, Mr Snell a namesake of one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time aims to complete the testing 26-mile course with space-age technology.

The 22-year-old engineering student will be aided by crutches made from springs found in aeroplanes and gloves used by astronauts.

The crutches are a prototype designed by Blewbury inventor Harry Thompson, to aid people with disabilities. They include shock absorbers to reduce stress on the hands and arms which increases speed.

Mr Snell, of Henley, said: "I knew right away I had broken my ankle. It was very disfigured and I thought my chances of running the marathon was over.

"These crutches help me whizz about when people see me in the street they ask where they can get them from.

"These crutches are a one of a kind at the moment, but it would be great if they could get on the market because they make it so much easier. I feel like a bit of a guinea pig."

Mr Snell broke his ankle during a half-marathon in February and was due to contact the marathon organisers to withdraw from the competition.

But when a member of his running team, blind jogger Bill Gulliver of Team Mendelssohn, heard about the break he scoured the country to find suitable equipment.

The search ended in Blewbury where Mr Thompson works for Remap, a national charity that designs and makes equipment for disabled people.

Springs used in the gas shock-absorbers are taken from designers at British Aerospace, metal fibres on the crutches' rubber tips are usually found in lightbulbs, while the gloves which stop blistering were invented by Nasa.

His ankle can go without a cast but doctors have warned Mr Snell he cannot run yet as the bones are yet to heal. He will wear the protection for the marathon to prevent any further damage.

Mr Snell aims to complete the race with running partner Adam Treacher, 22, by hopping the route within eight hours.

He has already raised more than £3,000 for charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). For more information log onto www.save-young-hearts.org.uk The 25th London Marathon will be started by former athlete and leader of the London 2012 Olympics bid Lord Sebastian Coe.

Runners include five-times Olympic gold medallist Steve Redgrave and someone aiming to get into the record books by competing in an 11ft fancy dress outfit.