Broadchurch star Jonathan Bailey has pledged to “trot, skip and cartwheel” to complete the London Marathon and raise cash for charity after being declared unfit to run.

The 26-year-old actor said he is determined to complete the 26-mile course for MND Scotland after one of his “best mates” Gordon Aikman was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Gordon, a political campaigner, launched his Gordon’s Fightback campaign after being diagnosed with the degenerative disease at the age of 29, raising more than £250,000 for the cause.

Jonathan Bailey
Jonathan Bailey (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Jonathan, who played reporter Olly Stevens in the popular ITV drama, was best man to Gordon’s partner Joe at their wedding in Edinburgh last month.

He injured himself while training for the marathon and said: “I cannot promise a speedy time as unfortunately I developed the annoyingly self-explanatory injury of ‘runner’s knee’ whilst training.”

He added: “I will be bursting with immense pride knowing that we can help raise money for MND Scotland, supporting and continuing the incredible work of Gordon to ensure a brighter future free from MND.”

Broadchurch
The cast of Broadchurch (ITV)

Gordon said: “Jonathan has been a massive support to me and Joe over the last few months. He is a busy boy so I’m delighted he is taking time out from filming to complete the London Marathon for MND Scotland.”

Head of fundraising at MND Scotland Iain McWhirter said: “We are really grateful to Jonathan for running the London Marathon in support of Gordon’s Fightback and MND Scotland.

“He’ll be raising a huge amount of awareness of this terrible disease, and every step he takes will take us one step closer to finding a cure for motor neurone disease.”