A STOW on the Wold man is planning to run 300 miles in five weeks to raise money for disabled children’s charity Whizz-Kidz.

Neil Bacon started the Berlin marathon on September 28 and will go on to run from Boston to New York, starting on October 23 and guiding his blind friend along the way, before taking part in the New York Marathon on November 2.

He hopes to raise £10,000 for the charity, helping to provide mobility equipment, wheelchair skills training, and work placements to promote independence and confidence for disabled children.

Neil said: “I am doing this challenge for Whizz-Kidz for two reasons. Firstly, when you hear and see the children and their families talking about the difference the charity has made to their lives you can see it in their eyes; their whole body language changes. It’s as if their lives have gone from black and white to suddenly multicoloured with all the opportunities and freedom they now have because they have been given the right piece of equipment.

“Secondly, having met some of the staff and the CEO, Ruth Owen, I know that every penny raised is spent so well. The charity is very efficient and focused on the children they help without wasting money - and that’s why I’ve decided to take up this 300 mile challenge. Every penny raised will count and make a difference.”

Whizz-Kidz CEO, Ruth Owen OBE, said: “We are hugely grateful that Neil has decided to set himself these incredible challenge in order to raise £10,000 for Whizz-Kidz. The money will literally change young people’s lives, and those of their families, overnight.”

Whizz-kidz estimates that there are 70,000 disabled children still in need of the right wheelchair as the NHS does not always provide the most appropriate type.

To support Neil’s fundraising and donate visit http://bit.ly/1qN90SH