Eddie Izzard backs marathon runner Richard Whitehead

Marathon man Richard Whitehead, who is nearing the end of his gruelling attempt to run the length of Britain, has received a boost from someone who knows just what he's going through.

Comedian Eddie Izzard has tweeted his support and says he's sponsored Richard to complete the 977-mile challenge.

In 2009, Izzard ran 43 marathons in 51 days after only five weeks' training to raise money for Sports Relief.

Richard Whitehead from Burton Joyce in Nottinghamshire has another five marathons to go before he reaches Land's End on Monday afternoon.

He's aiming to raise £1 million for disabled charity Scope and cancer charity Sarcoma UK.