HEART surgery patient Ken Younger will tackle the London Marathon to raise money for a leading charity.

The 55-year-old Seaham councillor will line up alongside partner Carol Vinter next month for a gruelling 26-mile run through the capital's streets. Mr Younger was in danger of suffering a heart attack had he not undergone surgery to repair his arteries in 1999.

He lost his father, two uncles, an aunt and a cousin to heart attacks.

But thanks to surgery and the help of a Sunderland University sports science expert, he and Ms Vinter, 54, who works at the university, can tackle the race together.

Over the past few years the fit couple have cycled coast- to-coast, Glasgow to Inverness and Edinburgh to Newcastle route, been on many walks and run half marathons, including the Great North Run.

"It's going to be a real challenge but one we are looking forward to a lot. I'm just glad I'm here to attempt it," said Mr Younger.

"I have been given a second chance and I intend to make the most of it. I know how lucky I am."

The couple, who are stewards at Sunderland Football Club, will be raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

To support them, log on to www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/carol vinter or call 0191-515 2000.