Tom Aikens is one of the country’s leading chefs, having achieved two Michelin stars by the time he was 26. His current restaurant - the eponymously named Tom Aikens - is near London’s King’s Road. Gearoid Devaney has been working alongside Tom as his sommelier for the past three years. The two friends have challenged each other to run the 2006 Flora London Marathon in the fastest time in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust.

The Anthony Nolan Trust saves lives by recruiting new donors to the UK's most successful bone marrow register. The Anthony Nolan also conducts pioneering research into the treatment of leukaemia and other bone marrow disorders.

Tom says: I’ve never done a Marathon before and because I damaged a cartilage in my knee a few years ago it may be tough. But like all chefs I’m very competitive and I like to think I’d give Gearoid a good race. I’m certainly fitter than he is, but he may be faster.  

Gearoid says: ‘Right now we’re both training hard for the marathon. I’ve run a marathon before in Bordeaux and have always been keen to do the London one. Who’ll win between me and Tom? Well because I’ve done one before and because I’m desperate to beat my last time, I’m hoping I will. I’d better…"