AN ex-ITFC player is preparing to dress as the club’s mascot to take on the challenge of the Virgin London Marathon.

Former goalie James Pullen, who is now back at Portman Road as the first team sports masseur, is in training ahead of April’s 26.2-mile race around the capital.

As well as embarking on his first marathon, Pullen has been holding crunch talks with one of ITFC’s mascots to negotiate running the course dressed as a Crazee look-a-like.

He said: “The suit Crazee has agreed I can wear is quite thick and heavy as it’s made of black fur fabric, complete with large fur gloves.

“However the hardest part will be the Crazee head which will completely cover my face and neck.”

Pullen, who is running to raise money for the ITFC Charitable Trust and Sense – a national charity supporting deaf-blind people – added: “I’m doing this not only to raise much-needed funds but also awareness of all the good work done by the charitable trust and Sense.

“I think just trying it on (the costume) made me realise how tough this is going to be. I’m hoping the adrenaline will kick in and give me the boost I need to make it over the finish line.”

The ITFC Charitable Trust helps young people, motivating and education those in need including the physically and mentally disabled and those classed as Not in Education, Training or Employment.

To donate to James’s charity effort visit www.justgiving.com/James-Pullen-crazee