ROB Allen is looking forward to being “reintroduced to his rib bones” after he finishes his training and completes the 26-mile run.

The businessman, a director of Allen Associates recruitment, in Oxford, is hoping to raise £5,000 for the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

He will be joined by Tony McShane, a consultant paediatric neurologist at the hospital, which treats 65,000 children every year.

Mr Allen, whose company backs the Oxford Mail’s annual OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace, which also raises money for the hospital, said: “My marathon has something for everyone.

“The pleasant people out there will be happy in that I am raising money for a really worthwhile charity, the Oxford Children’s Hospital, which is also Allen Associates’ chosen charity.

“They do a fantastic job treating 65,000 children every year and I am running to raise money for new equipment .

“The sadists will be happy knowing that I will be spending a great proportion of this winter’s early mornings training in the cold, wet and dark.

“Finally, and hopefully, I will be happy as I get reintroduced to my rib bones.”

Dr McShane, who aims to raise £5,000, added: “Every penny raised will make a huge difference to the thousands of children we treat here every year.

“I know these are difficult economic times, but the needs of our patients and their families do not get less.

“The money that we raise will be used to buy those ‘extras’ not available through the NHS.”

To sponsor the pair, see their online fundraising pages at justgiving.com/ Rob-Allen1961 and at justgiving.com/Tony-McShane