A SOUTHAMPTON man who suffered a crippling injury has fought his way back to health and will try and break a world record in April.

Robert Brownsea, pictured, had been training like clockwork. Running was his passion and he wanted to try to beat the 13-mile world record.

Then disaster struck five years ago when he tore the muscle in his left calf. He was left barely able to walk and slumped into a depression that he fought for two years.

Now he is back on the road, pounding the pavement and closer to achieving his goal than ever before.

On April 1 the 38-year-old is going for glory, hoping to run the distance in well under an hour.

"I have spent most of my life trying to make a statement and I have come back fighting. I believe I can do this," he said.

He will be taking to the athletics track at Southampton Sports Centre and with the help of a timekeeper hopes to make it into the record books.

However, it was not long ago that Mr Brownsea, a window cleaner from Orchard Lane in the city centre, was barely able to walk the pain was so bad.

"I nearly suffered a breakdown, I couldn't run and could barely do anything the pain was so bad and every time I put pressure on my leg the muscle was pop again," he said.

"But it started getting better and I was able to put more pressure on my leg and now I'm training as much as possible. I am confident I can do this."

Mr Brownsea has been doing six- minute miles but knows he can better that and hopes to do that on April 1 and raise money for the Salvation Army. To find out more contact Robert on 07957 697338.