Funeral director to run London Marathon in uniform

A funeral director is to run the London Marathon in his uniform.

Anghus Weightman, from Godalming, Surrey, has applied to the Guinness World Records in the hope of becoming the fastest funeral director in full uniform to run a marathon.

He will be wearing a full suit and tie, frock coat and top hat as he attempts to complete the 26.2-mile (42km) course on Sunday.

“Death is very final, but it shouldn’t be hidden away,” he said.

Mr Weightman, who has previously completed two marathons, said he had taken part in his local Parkrun event last weekend in his uniform as practice.

“It is very, very hot,” he told BBC Radio Surrey.

The keen runner said he was aiming to complete the London Marathon in less than four hours.

Mr Weightman, who has been working as a funeral director for 15 years, has already raised more than £5,000 for Hospice UK.

“Their Dying Matters campaign helps open the conversation around death,” he said.

“The people you love are the ones that have to piece together a funeral based on guesses, not wishes.

“This is an area I feel passionately about after seeing so many families not knowing where to start with what their loved one would have wanted.”

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, external, on X, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.