When Purley man Ben England isn't busy inspecting pubs, he is training to run his first full marathon.

The 30-year-old electrician from Lansdowne Road decided to run the London Marathon after being inspired by his partner Kim's work alongside families with children who have disabilities

Mr England said her work at the Sutton Short Breaks service, based in Crystal Palace, which is part of children's charity Barnardo’s, was truly remarkable.

“Kim works for Barnardo’s helping children with disabilities and their families, so I feel I really understand some of the challenges those families face," he said.

"My own nephew is autistic and I wanted to run for a cause that’s close to my heart.

“I’ve done a half-marathon before but this will be my first full marathon.

"The training has been quite difficult because Purley is at the bottom of a valley and to get anywhere you have to run up a hill, but I’m going out training five or six times a week and I’m looking forward to it.

"If I do it in less than 3hrs 45mins I’ll be really pleased.”

Director of Barnardo’s in London, Lynn Gradwell, said the charity was hoping to raise about £250,000 from all the runners' support

“It’s fantastic that Ben has been so inspired by the brilliant work that Kim and her colleagues at Barnardo’s Sutton Short Breaks service do every day to support children with disabilities and their families in south London," she said.

"The funds he raises will enable us to do even more to help children, young people and families, and I want to thank Ben for his support and wish him the best of luck.”

To sponsor Ben you can click here.