CROSSING the finishing line of a marathon would be a tough enough task for a keen runner.

But West Somerset hopeful in this year's London Marathon Andy Rock is setting himself a double challenge - running the 26-mile course while playing an accordion.

And although Andy's credentials as a musician are not in doubt, he is, on his own admission, not an accomplished athlete.

But the 45-year-old father of two from East Quantoxhead does have a get-out clause - he is only promising to provide the musical background for his fellow runners if he manages to exceed his fundraising target of £2,500.

Andy, who runs Bicknoller-based herb and apple juice company Herby4, will be running to boost the funds of Penny Brohn Cancer Care in Bristol, a charity which helps people live with the impact of the disease.

Andy's wife Rachael has been supported by the charity whilst battling breast cancer three times over the past 16 years.

"If I exceed my target I will run the entire London Marathon playing an accordion - all the way round," he pledged this week.

"Funnily enough quite a few of my family and friends are promising to chip in.

"I'm actually hoping that I raise £2,499, which will mean I don't have to do it."

However, making music may be the least of Andy's problems as his training regime for the April 13 event has been hit by the wet winter weather.

"I've just been trying to find somewhere dry, flat and not muddy to run but it's not easy," he said.

"I've done a 12-mile run so far and that was OK."

Andy's finishing time prediction on his entry form is four hours and 18 minutes.

"I thought I'd typed four hours and 58 minutes but it came out as 18 - I haven't got a hope of doing either of those times but I'll certainly cross the line, one way or another."

His children, ten-year-old Rio and Romany, eight, along with Rachael, will be in London to cheer him on - or, as he fears, possibly cringing with embarrassment.

Andy's fundraising total currently stands at just over £500 but he is hoping to nudge it upwards with an auction and evening of entertainment at East Quantoxhead Village Hall on March 8.

Fittingly, the event will incorporate live music, including a rare performance by local acoustic band Jankie Fardal, with which Andy is involved.

Items on the auction list so far include a set of wrap-around Gatorz sunglasses, a cigar box guitar from Shonky Musical Instruments and three boxes of cider donated by the Mad Apple Cider Company, as well as some of Andy's own apple juice.

Organisers will also be dishing up a curry.

Tickets, priced £5 for the event, or an additional £7.50 for the meal, are available from Andy on 01278 741419 or 07876 747578.

Anyone wanting to sponsor Andy for his marathon efforts can do so online at http://www.justgiving.com/andrew-rock">www.justgiving.com/andrew-rock or by text on ROKY52 £1 - £10 to 70070.

Photo: Steve Guscott