A MERRY HILL hairdresser is all set to pound the streets of Birmingham to raise money for a charity which has helped her visually impaired son.

Louise Alvarez’s son Luca was born with a condition called Microphthalmia which means his eyes didn’t develop properly.

The four-year-old, who attends Greenfield Primary school in Stourbridge, is virtually blind and has been helped by the charity MACS - the Micro and Anophthalmic Children’s Society.

Now Louise is raising money for the charity, for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes, by running the Birmingham Half Marathon on October 20.

She is also holding a cake sale at the salon where she works as a stylist - Toni and Guy - at Merry Hill on Saturday (October 5) to raise further funds.

Louise, of Banner’s Street, Halesowen, said: “MACS has really helped us - it gives all the support you need - emotionally and practically.

“They do events where you can get to meet other families affected by the condition as well as providing grants for things like eye pads and talking phones.”

Louise said Luca, who lives with her and his dad Daniel, aged 35, in Halesowen is “doing really well at school and loves anything to do with vehicles.”

Louise is already a runner, but has stepped up her regime to prepare for the half marathon.

Colleagues at Toni and Guy are supporting her with fundraising and have baked cakes for the sale on Saturday.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Louise can visit www.justgiving.com/louise-rojas-alvarez.