London Marathon: Lancaster surgeon running in poo emoji outfit

Emma Davies says she has had "some funny looks" when she has been training in her poo outfit

A colorectal surgeon has vowed to have "fun" running her third London Marathon while wearing a "ridiculous" poo emoji outfit.

Emma Davies, 46, who works at Lancaster Royal Infirmary, is running the race on Sunday in aid of Bowel Research UK.

She said the charity was close to her heart as she sees the devastating impact of bowel disease daily.

While dressing as a giant poo was "not a life aim", she said, it was an "honour to run for an amazing charity".

She said: "I was lucky to get a place again. It's an incredible atmosphere.

"lt'll be fun and it is such a good charity to raise money for and to raise awareness of bowel disease."

'Funny looks'

Ms Davies said: "I see first-hand how bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel conditions affect people's lives.

"Bowel Research UK funds cutting edge medical research projects that have the potential to become breakthrough treatments or cures for bowel disorders."

She said she hoped doing the run in the poo outfit would remind people to be aware of symptoms and to get any changes, including any blood in the bowels, checked out.

She said she was not expecting to beat her previous time of three hours and 48 minutes in her costume - especially if it was windy conditions.

"I just want to get through it," Ms Davies said.

"There's a lot of wind resistance on that giant poo."

She said she had been training at Williamson Park in Lancaster, and had been given "some funny looks" when running in the costume.

Her husband and daughters will be cheering her on during the 26.2 mile (42.1km) race.

"At least they won't miss me," she said.