TWO Alvechurch-based runners will be taking part in the Birmingham International Marathon this weekend in the final stage of their year long fundraising challenge to run 12 half marathons in 12 months.

Friends Mike Williams and Dan Wolstencroft started their challenge in October 2016 at the Great Birmingham Run and have completed 12 half marathons around the country so far.

Their ‘Lucky 13’ challenge will finish this weekend with the Birmingham International Marathon on Sunday, and when they cross the finish line the pair will have run more than 182 miles in the last year.

This ambitious challenge is all in aid of charitable causes close to the their hearts - The Sick Children’s Trust, The Ups of Downs, and The Blue Cross.

Mike said: “At just five months old my niece was rushed into hospital and later diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.

"During her time at Sheffield Children's Hospital, the charity provided fantastic help and support to enable her parents to stay with her at such a difficult time. The work The Sick Children’s Trust do to keep families close during times of illness is really important and we hope we can support them by raising much needed funds.”

They have also chosen to support Leamington Spa based charity The Ups Of Downs, which provide groups for children with Down Syndrome and their parents, and animal welfare charity The Blue Cross.

The pair are hoping to raise £1,000 which will be split evenly across all three charities

For more information or to donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/Lucky_13.