A MAN who has watched his "inspirational" father battle Parkinson's for the past nine years is running the London Marathon on Sunday, April 13 to help support sufferers of the disease.

Richard Anderson, 31, of Franche, Kidderminster, aims to raise £2,500 for the Parkinson's Disease Society.

He said: "Until you know someone close to you who is affected by something like this you have no idea what it is like.

"Thankfully, my father's life is good at the moment and the medication is working. Unfortunately, the medication has a lifespan and either a cure will have to be found or another treatment that works."

He added: "Parkinson's is a degenerative disease. It only gets worse and the drugs can only relieve the symptoms. They can't take them away."

Mr Anderson, a design co-ordinator, said the money he was raising could help fund a nurse or a meeting where sufferers could get together and talk.

He has already raised £1,800 through the sponsorship of friends and businesses, the Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust and a fund-raising quiz night at the Morris Centre, opposite Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Mr Anderson said his family were supporting his efforts and his brother was even training with him despite not taking part in the marathon itself.

He added: "My father is very proud and positive about everything. He doesn't let the disease get him down and has been volunteering for medical trials to help find a cure. He's definitely an inspiration."

Mr Anderson ran the London Marathon in 2000 and in 2006 raised £800 for the Parkinson's Disease Society by taking part in the Great North Run.

He said: "Running the marathon for the second time could actually be disadvantage. I know what to expect and that makes it even more nerve wracking."

He added: "I feel prepared anyway despite picking up a calf injury. It's a big day but I'm quite excited and am looking forward to it."

To sponsor Mr Anderson, visit www.justgiving.com/richiesmarathon2008.