A 72-YEAR-OLD man is to run the London marathon to raise funds for research into miscarriages -- four decades after his wife lost four babies.

For Fred Eastham, age poses no barrier as it will be his eleventh marathon since 1984 -- and he will be joined in the race on April 13 by his 29-year-old son, John.

Fred, of Preston Old Road, Blackburn, said: "I don't really think about my age when I'm doing these things. I didn't start running until I was in my 50s, and I've only done the London marathon, no others. I'm running around nine miles at the moment, so hopefully I'll be able to boost that over the coming weeks."

Fred and John, of Cherry Lea, Cherry Tree, hope to raise £1,000 for Tommy's Baby Charity, which aids medical research into miscarriages and stillbirths.

Fred said: "My wife Hilda suffered four miscarriages in the 1960s and they were such painful times. So if we could help towards preventing this from happening it would be a great thing."

The couple are thankful for their four children, Janet, 41, of Withnell Fold, Karl, 38, of Hoddlesden, Julie, 36, of Clement Street, Darwen, and John.

Fred continued: "We are absolutely delighted to have them, and I hope by raising money we will give other people the chance to have children."

A strict training regime sees Fred running between four and eight miles every morning, five times a week.

He said: "I've always been very active and I've done a lot of swimming and walking in my time. Last year I ran the London marathon in 4 hours and 38 minutes, so I was given an automatic entry to this year's race.

"John plays a lot of football and he's very active, so I'm sure he'll be much quicker."

The father-and-son team will travel down to London the Friday before the race to catch a performance of the much-acclaimed Les Miserables.

He said: "I can't wait to get to London and the race is going to be excellent. It's always such a great atmosphere when you get there. People are cheering for you all the way around and it's a beautiful route.

"I'd like to say this will be my last, but it probably won't be."

Jo Rawcliffe, from charity Tommy's, said: "I don't know how he does it, I think it's unbelievable. We are so grateful to be chosen as the charity Mr Eastham is going to run for."

The London-based charity raised £170,000 last year from 107 runners in the race and hopes to raise the same this year. To sponsor Fred and help Tommy's, contact him on 01254 202157.