WOLLASTON mortgage adviser Ben Perks will be taking on his first marathon this weekend.

The 33-year-old, who works at Hayburn Rock Financial Planning in Bridgnorth Road, will be among more than 40,000 runners taking on the gruelling 26.2-mile road race this Sunday (April 22).

Ben, a father-of-two, will be running in aid of children's charity Get Kids Going which helps get disabled youngsters into sport.

And he's hoping to raise up to £5,000 for the cause - having already coined in more than £4,000, £3,164 of which was from the proceeds of a charity bash at The Fox at Stourton last month.

He said: "It's my first and last marathon. I'm excited but a bit nervous and looking forward to getting it done now.

"I've always been sporty but I'd never done any running until October last year when I signed up for the Birmingham Half Marathon. I didn't realise how hard it was going to be until I did that half marathon."

Hoping to complete the 26-miler in under four-and-a-half hours - he also may have to brave somewhat scorching temperatures for the time of year of up to 22°C.

He said: "It's going to be really hot. We've done all our training in cold weather and it's going to be really hot - so times could be out of the window."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ben to help boost his fundraising total further can donate online at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BenPerks.