A GREENOCK dad left runners green with envy after donning fancy dress to make his marathon debut in a tribute to his well-known late father.

David Young turned heads when he dressed up as Shrek to complete the 26.2 mile London race.

His fantastic feat raised over £1,600 for Cancer Research UK in memory of his dad George - the much-loved Gourock photographer who died at the age of 77 from cancer in 2011.

David, who is a helicopter pilot, said: "The atmosphere was like being at a carnival, the whole way round.

"Everyone was cheering me on.

"If I had £1 for everyone who shouted 'come on Shrek!', I would've raised millions of pounds.

"The support was unbelievable."

David battled through the pain barrier to record an impressive time of five hours and 31 minutes.

He added: "The first 19 and a half miles were fantastic and I thought 'this is looking good'.

"But as I was coming round Canary Wharf I felt something go in my left thigh, something pinged.

"But I saw grown men at the side in tears after being told they couldn't continue so I was determined to keep going.

"I did half walking and half running.

"I almost got overtaken by a rhino in the last 200 metres and I thought 'no way!', so I put a sprint on."

David, who lives with his wife Nicola and their children Josephine, 13, and Gabriel, 12, in Ardgowan Square, says he is determined to raise awareness of the charity and is keen to do anything he can to beat cancer.

He said: "It's about raising awareness and doing anything I can to help.

"I remember how bad it was with my dad, so I want to stop other people from going through what we went through, that's the reason I do it.

"It's nice to give back.

"I would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who took the time to sponsor me for the run.

"It really really is appreciated."

Anyone who would like to donate to Dave's fund can still do so online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dave-young26