Dad Chris Dallimore will be running the London Marathon on Sunday, April 13, to help extend his son’s pre-school in Chippenham.

St Mary’s Pre-school at Rowden Hill has been given more outdoor space from the next door primary school and wants to build an extension at an estimated cost of £5,000.

Kerrie Hanlon, chairman of St Mary’s Pre-school committee, said: “They want to try to make inside a bit bigger and get a new boiler, not to take on more kids because they want to keep the high staff to child ratio, but to have more space. We wish Chris all the best. I know I couldn’t do it.”

Mr Dallimore’s four-year-old son George goes to the pre-school and his five-year-old daughter Megan left last year.

Last year, he raised £200 by doing the Swindon Half and bought the pre-school a LeapPad.

“They’ve done so much for our kids, I wanted to give something back,” said Mr Dallimore, of St Peter’s Close, who works as a carer.

The 30-year-old only started running three years ago and has done four half marathons, but this will be his first one.

He will be trying to beat 2 hours 13 minutes.

Children at the pre-school will collect sponsorship by taking turns to do 26 laps, one for each mile of the London route.

To find aout about St Mary’s places, call (01249) 462197.