A father from Wheathampstead will take on a half marathon at the weekend to raise money for a children’s charity.

Thomas Smethers will complete the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon on Sunday, October 7, for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The 38-year-old, who works as a group financial controller at EasyJet, said: "I have three children and they are all healthy.

"When I read on the website about the children they {Starlight} help it struck a chord.

"I have been really impressed by how passionate they are."

Starlight is a national charity that grants once-in-a-lifetime wishes for seriously ill children.

Mr Smethers has a four-year-old son and twin girls aged 20 months.

Although Mr Smethers has completed half marathons before, he has been following a strict training schedule to prepare for the race.

He said: "I have been doing a lot of gym work and running.

"I have lost a lot of weight to get to this place.

"I am probably in the best shape I have been in for 15 years.

"I would love to beat the two-hour mark."

The 13.1 mile fundraiser will take participants through London’s royal parks, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

So far Mr Smethers has raised more than £900 towards his £1,000 target.

In Hertfordshire there are currently 19 seriously ill children who are waiting to have their wishes granted by the charity.