Just over a year ago, Mr Holmes, 35, of Humphries Drive, Brackley suffered broken bones, nerve damage and internal bleeding when he was involved in a motorbike accident in November 2006.

Mr Holmes, who is married to Nicky and has three children Christian, 11, James, eight and six-month-old Niamh, now only has very limited use of his right arm as a result of the crash and has since had to adapt to a new life.

But after six operations, his recovery has been so remarkable that he will be able to take part in the London Marathon on Sunday, using a specially-adapted sling which will stop his arm from becoming dislocated during the 26.6 mile race.

Mr Holmes said: "I ran the Edinburgh marathon in 2005 and had been accepted to run the 2007 marathon before the accident. Even in the hospital I can't remember a moment where I thought I wasn't going to run it as soon as I'd recovered. I had done so much to get accepted. I don't think anybody actually said that I shouldn't do it but there were a few raised eyebrows.

"I was quite fit before the accident so it was quite frustrating when I first started training again but I was able to slowly build up the distance."

On Sunday, Mrs Holmes and the couple's three children, will travel to London to cheer him on.

Mrs Holmes said: "Once he's made his mind up that's it. His physiotherapist has said his recovery has been remarkable, surpassing others with similar injuries.

"His attitude was, 'stuff happens to people, it could have been worse. I'm still here and I have my family and that is the most important thing.'"

The London Marathon will be televised on BBC One at 8.30am on Sunday and Mr Holmes will be wearing number 20,073.
So far Mr Holmes has raised around £1,500 for the Samaritans.

Anyone who would like to sponsor him can do so online via www.justgiving.com/graemeholmes

Click here for a round-up of marathon runners from across the region