A KIND hearted Dudley sportsman is getting his running shoes ready in preparation for the London Marathon.

Chris Waterhouse, who is the captain of Dudley Town FC, is to run in the world famous 26 mile race in aid of the children's charity PHAB kids.

Twenty-three year old Chris, of Bridgnorth Road, Wollaston, has always wanted to run the marathon but after failing to get through the ballot, he searched the internet looking for charities he could raise funds for.

Chris said:"I work with children with special needs as I am a care support worker at Sunfield, so I wanted to raise money for a worthy cause I believed in, particularly one that helps children with special needs and mental health problems."

The footballer has had a gruelling training schedule over the last few months in preparation for the mammoth run on Sunday, which he hopes to complete in three and a half hours.

Chris said: "I've done a lot of training through football, as we have to train twice a week and I have been running the nine miles there, training and running back home as well - so running 18 miles in total."

However despite his excitement in taking part in the marathon, he admits he is nervous about the organisation of getting around London.

Chris admits "I'm more worried about having to get the tubes everywhere and finding my way around the city than running and raising a lot of money for the charity."

To sponsor Chris visit his online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/christopherwaterhouse