A marathon runner is selling his body to raise money for a Jewish charity.

Ray Gurvitz, 47, who lives in Elstree, is turning himself into a running billboard when he takes part in the Tel Aviv marathon on Friday.

In return for having their products and services seen by millions, local businesses can buy advertising space on Mr Gurvitz’s body.

All proceeds will go to Jewish Care, which runs the Ella and Ridley Jacobs House in Hendon, where Mr Gurvitz's father Lionel is a resident.

Pricing starts at £100 for placing an advert on his leg or arm, £500 for his neck and £1,000 for his face.

Mr Gurvitz said he thought of this unique fundraising approach as a way of inspiring people to give to charity while benefiting the local economy.

He said: “Everybody is now looking to buy ads on Facebook but you know what would really catch people’s attention? An ad on my face instead”

“This is a way of reaching a new audience. The prices to sponsor various parts of my body are affordable for small businesses, meaning they can stand out from the crowd and help a good cause, which is a no-brainer for them.

“It’s a bit of fun as well.”

A keen runner, Mr Gurvitz is aiming to complete four marathons this year for four different charities.

He added: “I'm supporting Jewish Care because it’s a charity close to my heart and provides excellent care and support for my father and my mother, who attend their day centre in Golders Green.

“I’m very much looking forward to taking part in the marathon, although it will be challenging. I’m also going to take part in the London Marathon for a children’s cancer charity as I have lost many people to cancer.”

Daniel Carmel-Brown, director of fundraising and marketing at Jewish Care, said: “This is a fantastic, diverse way of raising much needed funds for Jewish Care. On behalf of Jewish Care, we wish Ray the best of luck for the marathon and thank him for choosing to run for us.”

To sponsor Mr Gurvitz for his marathon click here.