A personal trainer with Crohn’s disease is competing in a bodybuilding competition to help raise vital funds for charity.

Neil Eden, 39, from Finchley, currently living in Australia, is a personal trainer who specialises in rehabilitating people with serious illnesses.

He was inspired to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Action after a past client, Larry Rees, died from the disease.

Mr Eden said: “I have always challenged myself physically and mentally doing 10 marathons, an ironman competition, strongman events and powerlifting.

“Recently I achieved a 200kg deadlift myself, raising over £15,000 for charity.

“I am currently taking on this challenge to achieve the impossible and turn myself into physique model from a marathon runner.

“My inspiration to raise money was from Larry Rees who I rehabbed for 4 years and became very close to him and his wife Jenny.

“He was very positive even when suffering every day and showed me that nothing is impossible.

“I have Crohn's disease but it’s nothing compared to pancreatic cancer.

“He was an inspirational man to me who always stayed positive even at his lowest moment.”

Pancreatic Cancer is the UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer.

The charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action, fund research into early diagnosis, provide medical education programmes, and launch awareness campaigns.

Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “It is so wonderful that Neil is taking on this tough challenge to help raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer Action and we are very grateful he has chosen to support us.

“We were all very fond of Larry, and I was fortunate to have been able to get to know him personally.

“Even when he was undergoing treatment, he was still an avid advocate for the charity which was truly inspiring.

“He is greatly missed by me and my team at Pancreatic Cancer Action.”