A RAMSBURY runner has set himself the target of raising £300 to help a charity provide free school lunches for poverty stricken Ghanaian children when he takes on an ultra marathon on May 6.

James Higgins, High Street, will take part in the 33-mile Marlborough Downs Challenge which involves 3,000ft of climbing across the Wiltshire countryside in aid of Action Through Enterprise.

The 30-year-old teacher and travel blogger says that, if successful, this amount will will buy 1500 meals for children who would otherwise not be able to go to school due to hunger.

"I was inspired to raise money for the charity because my mum Sara Thompson, a volunteer bookkeeper for the charity, has told me all about her first hand experiences of the incredible work that the charity undertakes in a hugely poverty stricken area of the world," he said.

"I walked the route last weekend and I am confident I can do it in under seven hours."

Mr Higgins only decided he would do the event two weeks ago as he has been suffering from a knee injury ever since he completed the Barcelona Marathon back in March.

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jameshiggins1