MS sufferer puts body on line by tackling the Guernsey marathon

Despite a lack of mobility in his lower body and difficulty with his grip, Paul Diligent, 57, is taking on the 26.2-mile challenge in August, a daunting task for most able-bodied people, using his new handbike.

'I'm very excited – I've been running the marathon in my mind every night,' said Mr Diligent, pictured foreground.

'At the same time I'm very nervous.

'I've been trying to think of all the problems that might occur so I can plan for them in advance.'

Mr Diligent will have to rely on upper body strength alone to turn the pedals of his wheelchair's bike attachment.

'If I had to pedal with my arms I'd end up using my legs for support – Paul can't do that,' said the home's events and fundraising coordinator Alex Jenner.