Marathon fundraiser dives off to Cumbria

Phenomenal charity fund-raiser, Lloyd Scott MBE revealed himself to be the mystery guest at the VIP and press launch of the Lakes Aquarium, on Tuesday, April 8, one of his last public engagements before heading off to the Flora London Marathon 2008. Whilst guests gathered to be some of the first to see the new Virtual Dive Bell - a stunning piece of technology costing £100,000 that transports visitors to the murky depths of an African Lake, through immersive technology, Lloyd suddenly appeared in his famous 130lb diving suit and helmet.

Wearing this outfit, he completed the 2002 London Marathon in 5 days, 8 hours, 29 minutes and 46 seconds, to be greeted at the finishing line by Paula Radcliffe. Thanks to his efforts, he raised over £200,000 for Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood (CLIC).

Lloyd Scott demonstrated the slow walk that made him such a household name, as he made his way to the front of the queue forming to see the Virtual Dive Bell, to the strains of Chariots of Fire.

Surprised VIP guests, who had no idea Lloyd was appearing, were later able to quiz him about his various marathon experiences.

Lloyd Scott appeared at the Lakes Aquarium purely to raise money for his nominated charity for this year - the Autism Trust. This was one of his last public appearances before he competes in this year's Flora London Marathon, on April 13, wearing an Iron Giant suit and walking on stilts.

Lloyd had been greatly looking forward to seeing the Virtual Dive Bell and coming face to face with hippos, crocodiles and bull sharks. He has faced even greater adversities in his life, having battled chronic myeloid leukaemia, following an inhalation of toxic smoke during his fire-fighting career. He triumphed over the disease despite having been given less than a 10% chance of survival.

His marathon efforts are undertaken to prove people can tackle seemingly impossible situations, if they have a positive outlook and attitude.

To date, Lloyd has raised nearly £5 million for charity, through various fundraising challenges. These include the London and New York marathons wearing the diver's suit, an underwater marathon in Loch Ness, completing the 2006 London Marathon in a suit of armour and cycling from Perth to Sydney on a Penny Farthing.

Lloyd shared some of his marathon moments with guests at the VIP and press launch of the Lakes Aquarium, before heading off the following day to appear live on BBC's Blue Peter.

Lakes Aquarium marketing manager, Katherine Beaumont, says: "Having Lloyd at the attraction, clad in his suit, really set the theme for the evening. The guests were both surprised and delighted as he is very well known as being both a fun celebrity and philanthropist. I wish him lots of luck in the London marathon at the weekend and will be looking out for him on the TV as the first ever robot to take part."