AN injured Marine has set himself a tough challenge to help his wounded colleagues.

Karl Page, 21, of Sutton Manor, is pushing himself for the 2012 Rome Marathon in aid of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity, which supports sailors, marines and their families.

Karl was due serve in Afghanistan, but was medically discharged in April after being injured during training.

Karl, who is now a personal trainer at Fitness First in Runcorn, said: “I pulled my groin away from my hip.

“I wasn’t allowed to run or do any impact exercise for seven months. I get lower neck pain with my injury.

“I’m only now starting to run again.”

Karl is competing in the English Half Marathon in Warrington on Sunday, with fellow personal trainer, Caroline Johnson, aged 38, from Warrington.

The former Rainhill High pupil and volunteer flying instructor with St Helens Air Cadets, said: “I wanted to help this charity because they gave me a resettlement grant.

“They help sailors and marines who have lost limbs or are critically injured.

“One of my friends has just been critically injured in Afghanistan and is now in hospital Anything I can do to help raise funds will be a bonus.”

To sponsor Karl call 07714 232 915 or e-mail karlpage21 @hotmail.com.