A Banbury runner is aiming high for his first London Marathon, with financial support from his colleagues.

56-year-old Patrick Kavanagh, who completed the New York marathon two years ago, will undertake the 26.2-mile course in April, hoping to beat his previous marathon record of five hours and 23 minutes.

Alongside 48,000 others, he will start the race at Greenwich Park in support of Oxford Hospitals Charity.

The charity works to provide the best medical equipment, research, and facilities for both staff and patients across various healthcare establishments.

It supports five of the county's hospitals and care centres run by the NHS.

Mr Kavanagh said: "Oxford Hospitals Charity is responsible for some outstanding work locally which helps NHS staff provide the best care possible for patients.

"The charity has been really helpful supporting runners to the start line so I’m hoping to raise plenty of funds to help make a small difference.

"This will be my first time running the London Marathon and I’m determined to improve on my time from New York.

"Training has been going well and we’re on the right track, which is always a positive.

“Ongoing, I plan to run more marathons with Berlin on my radar for this year where my partner Alison and I plan to run together.”

Amazing Lofts, a loft boarding and insulation firm in Banbury, and the company Mr Kavanagh works for as an installer, has supported him on his marathon journey.

Mr Kavanagh's colleagues have covered his £150 marathon entry fee and are organising a company-wide sweepstake at the company depot near Middleton Cheney, to help reach the £2,000 fundraising target.

To find out more about Mr Kavanagh’s fundraising effort and to make a donation, visit his donation page.

Kevin Baker, co-founder and director of Amazing Lofts, said: "It’s been great to see our team spirit shine through with colleagues getting behind him and we are proud to support his entry and fundraising efforts.

"Everyone will be rooting for him on the day, and we wish him the best of luck with the rest of his training."

Lucy Walker, senior fundraising and events manager at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "The London Marathon is such an iconic event and Oxford Hospitals Charity benefits hugely from the incredible efforts our runners put in.

"So I’d like to say a huge thank you to Patrick for his months of training – in all weathers - and hope his friends and colleagues are inspired to support his fundraising efforts to help our local hospitals."