TIRELESS Netherton athlete Mark Sinclair will celebrate his 50th birthday by running the Edinburgh Half Marathon dressed as The Grinch.

The 49-year-old will be completing the challenge on May 31 following a promise he made to the family of former Sandwell Alderman Fred Perry MBE, who died in 2013.

Mark built up a rapport with Mr Perry, who had terminal prostate cancer, while working as a care assistant in Great Bridge.

Mr Perry's daughter Sue said: "My dad used to do some running and always got on well with Mark because they used to talk about it."

She said her father had always wanted to do something to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support as he felt "there wasn't enough support for them" but passed away before he got the chance.

Luckily, Mark stepped in and promised him he would do something on his behalf.

Mark has already given his Grinch outfit an outing in the recent Birmingham 10km and admitted: "I've got a few tweaks to make. I've got to create a snorkel because I'm not getting enough oxygen in at the moment.

"I was still in the costume when I got back to Netherton after the Birmingham 10km and had to pop into the local Asda store. People got really excited and kept wanting to have their picture taken with me in the outfit."

He said he chose the costume as he loves the film and watches it every Christmas.

In total, Mark has competed in 189 races, including the London Marathon on six occasions.

He has also chalked up no less than 115 half marathons during his running career.

Mark added: "The race starts at 8am and I've got four hours to get round and then get back to Edinburgh city centre by 12 noon to catch my train. If I miss it, I'm in trouble."

Anybody who would like to support should visit www.justgiving.com/Mazarati295.