A GRATEFUL dad from Stourport will take on the largest inflatable obstacle course in the country to raise money for a Wyre Forest charity close to his heart.

Family man Jon Portman will be joined by a team of 23 staff from Midcounties Co-operative and Home-Start Wyre Forest in running the 5k Gung-Ho! Challenge on April 27.

Jon will be negotiating the giant blow-up obstacle course at Cofton Park in aid of Home-Start, which has supported his son for two years.

“Our family have been helped now by Home-Start for over two years and all I can say is what amazing people they are," said Jon.

"As a family we felt we were banging our heads against brick walls, not getting anywhere, but with the help of the wonderful Home-Start volunteers we got through every hurdle and now our son, against the odds, is happily going to mainstream school.

"The help from Home-Start is still there now and I want to give my thanks by helping them raise the funds to help more families in the local area."

Home-Start Wyre Forest supports an average of 400 children in 200 families each year and comprises a team of 100 volunteers and four staff.

Charity manager Belinda Darby said: "Jon`s offer to run for us, together with the amazing team at Midcounties Co-operative in support of our charity partnership, has made this event so special.

"We will be there supporting them on the day and cheering them on to the finish line and are so grateful for our Gung-Ho! team and all the other fundraising efforts these amazing people undertake for us.

"We hope people will recognise the team`s efforts by sponsoring the event and showing their full support.”

Sponsorship forms can be requested by calling 01562 825896, or donations can be made online at homestartwyreforest.org.uk.