BEING attacked by a dog isn't the most ideal preparation for a marathon.

But the University of York's head of sport, Keith Morris, still intends to tackle tomorrow's 26.2mile run in aid of his four chosen charities.

Keith, 45, was visiting his parents in East Yorkshire last weekend when a Japanese Akita attacked him.

He reacted instantly by turning his back on the animal, but it sunk its teeth into his back, shoulders and bottom, leaving him bloody and needing hospital treatment on his wounds.

However, the injuries are not enough to deter him from completing the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon, which is due to set off at 9.30am tomorrow.

He said: "I turned my back and he took a chunk out of my back and shoulders, and as I turned to walk away he took another chunk from my backside.

"It's a bit of a setback but I've been motivated to get on the course and do it now."

Keith has already surpassed his £1,200 fundraising target, but is eager to raise more for the Danny Porter Foundation, Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), Leukaemia Research and The William Rhodes Appeal.

He explained: "If I can complete another 26 miles and even beat my 1993 London marathon time 21 years on I will be very very pleased.

"However, I will be more pleased if in doing so I am able to raise money to help some very worthy and close to home causes."

The Danny Porter Foundation was set up after Mr Porter, a close friend of Keith's, was diagnosed with the rare Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) cancer.

Keith added: "Dan continues to attack his recovery with the usual drive and desire to beat the disease and see his kids grow up. He is a huge inspiration and someone I’m still lucky to have around as a mate."

The other three charities are all close to Keith. He is running for MSUD in support of his friend's one-year-old daughter, Poppy, who inherited the disease which affects only one in 185,000 children.

Father-of-two Keith is also supporting Leukaemia Research for Riley Cameron, his nephew's eight-year-old friend who died from the disease, and The William Rhodes Appeal for Acomb Primary School pupil William Rhodes who bravely undergoes daily medical treatments for the rare condition, Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA).

To sponsor Keith go to virginmoneygiving.com and search for Keith Morris.