A Thanet teacher is pounding the streets to prepare for this year’s London marathon - pledging to raise £2,000 from the 26.2 mile run in aid of Child Rescue Nepal.

Chris Marston, assistant head and year 6 teacher at Minster CofE primary school, decided to run for the small, London-based charity after speaking to a fellow colleague who had previously worked for them.

He said: “Working with children, and myself being a father of three, I can’t comprehend quite how children in today’s world are still suffering under appalling conditions.

“Once I’d spoken to my friend about the fantastic work that Child Rescue Nepal do to rescue Nepalese children from slavery and reunite them with families, it was a no-brainer - I had to do my bit and help.

“So here I am, training and fundraising.”

Mr Marston is planning on running quiz nights, raffles and sales in hopes of reaching, or even exceeding his target and says his family is helping him maintain his positive outlook.

He added: “My children think I’m going to beat Mo Farah but I’ll be happy to just complete the course.

“I had surgery back in October which has knocked my confidence a little but I’m gradually getting back to full fitness - I just have to remember that the pain of training is nothing compared to the pain and anguish that many children in Nepal are going through.”

So far, almost £800 has been donated.

To help Chris hit his fundraising target, click here