John Sreeves Picture: CLARE HOMER Ref: 76818-07A WANBOROUGH man sets off this week for one of the toughest races on earth.

But John Sreeves, 46, was almost not allowed to take part in the 151-mile Marathon des Sables after he had an abnormal electrocardiogram.

One of the requirements is that participants in the desert race in Africa should take the ECG test to check the condition of the heart.

John, of Badgers Close, said: "They found an unusual trace on my ECG. My doctor was worried because it was very similar to that of unfit people about to drop dead.

"I had to go to the Great Western Hospital for a heart scan and everything was okay. But it scared me and the whole family."

He has now been given the all-clear to take part.

He has been doing 12-mile runs around Wanborough with 8kg in his rucksack, but nothing is likely to prepare him for the gruelling race across the Sahara desert in temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

John says that his wife Helen and children Oliver, 15, and Elizabeth, 12, think he is crazy for doing the event.

He said: "I don't think it's really hit them yet. I'm a bit apprehensive as I've never done anything like this before. I don't know whether I can complete the course."

He is hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity Facing Africa, which helps people suffering from NOMA, an acute gangrenous infection of the face caused by malnutrition.

To sponsor John email him on SreevesJC@halcrow.com or telephone 01793 790976.

To follow the progress of the marathon visit www.darbaroud.com/uk/indexuk.asp.

Dave Andrew