A GRANDFATHER from the Borders is causing a flap with plans for a marathon fundraiser.

Bob Johnson, 56, a mechanical engineer from Walkerburn, has announced he is running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, April 26 – in a full-size ostrich outfit.

He is taking part in the famous event for the 15th consecutive year and hopes to complete it in under five hours.

Bob is currently putting the finishing touches to his ostrich costume, in time to take it for one or two trial runs before the big day.

However, this is not the first time that Bob has run in fancy costume.

In 2006, he completed the London Marathon in seven-and-a-half hours, running as a Dalek and, last year, as Freddie Mercury with a vacuum cleaner – inspired by the famous 'I want to break free’ video.

Bob, who owns an engineering business, said: “This is a tough challenge for me because the construction of a life-like ostrich is difficult enough without the added pressure of running for 26 miles with it on my back.

“The costume needs to be light and resilient as I intend to run like an ostrich and put on a really great show for the superb London crowds.

“I am delighted to be running in this event to help raise money for The Children’s Trust and The Shakespeare Hospice.

“I hope that my friends, family and work colleagues will show their support by sponsoring me so that I can raise at least £2,000 for two very special charities.” To sponsor Bob visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/bob-and-jon-go-canoeing A GRANDFATHER from the Borders is causing a flap with plans for a marathon fundraiser.

Bob Johnson, 56, a mechanical engineer from Walkerburn, has announced he is running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, April 26 – in a full-size ostrich outfit.

He is taking part in the famous event for the 15th consecutive year and hopes to complete it in under five hours.

Bob is currently putting the finishing touches to his ostrich costume, in time to take it for one or two trial runs before the big day.

However, this is not the first time that Bob has run in fancy costume.

In 2006, he completed the London Marathon in seven-and-a-half hours, running as a Dalek and, last year, as Freddie Mercury with a vacuum cleaner – inspired by the famous 'I want to break free’ video.

Bob, who owns an engineering business, said: “This is a tough challenge for me because the construction of a life-like ostrich is difficult enough without the added pressure of running for 26 miles with it on my back.

“The costume needs to be light and resilient as I intend to run like an ostrich and put on a really great show for the superb London crowds.

“I am delighted to be running in this event to help raise money for The Children’s Trust and The Shakespeare Hospice.

“I hope that my friends, family and work colleagues will show their support by sponsoring me so that I can raise at least £2,000 for two very special charities.” To sponsor Bob visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/bob-and-jon-go-canoeing