A betting shop manager is backing himself to break a Guinness World Record while raising money in memory of a much-loved baby girl.

Carl Smith is tackling the London Marathon in memory of Isabella Grace Senior, who died in February 2012 after developing bronchiolitis.

As an added twist, Mr Smith will be drawing inspiration from hit TV show Baywatch as he tries to beat the world record for the Fastest Marathon Dressed as a Lifeguard.

The 33-year-old, who is good friends with Isabella’s mum and dad, Lyndsey and Ryan Senior, said: “Basically, in Baywatch style, I will be carrying an inflatable buoy and a whistle round my neck, while dressed in a yellow vest and red shorts. So please dig deep and sponsor me in memory of Isabella, the brightest star in the sky.”

To set a new record Mr Smith, of Foxhill Drive, Queensbury, must beat Hamish Khayat’s time of three hours, 26 minutes and 35 seconds. He has done three marathons – two in London and one in Edinburgh – and his fastest time is two hours, 59 minutes and 56 seconds.

“I am confident of beating the record,” said Mr Smith. “I think I can do it, although it will be different carrying that buoy around.”

Mr Senior, a Bradford police officer, and his wife Lyndsey set up the Isabella Grace Fund after the death of their daughter. Isabella was born in November 2011, but became poorly in late December. Doctors diagnosed bronchiolitis, an infection of the lungs caused by a virus, which tragically cost her life.

“Ryan is a friend who plays football with me,” said Mr Smith. “What Ryan and Lyndsey have done is fantastic, really, setting up a fund on Isabella’s behalf. I am delighted to try to raise some money for this fantastic cause.”

Mr Smith will put four months’ training of running up hills in Queensbury to the test in the marathon this Sunday.

As the Isabella Grace Fund is not a registered charity, he has set up a bank account for people to donate to the cause – the account number is 71803807 and the sortcode is 50-42-37.

Alternatively, you can donate via isabellagrace.org.uk, leaving your name and Carl Marathon as the reference.