Children at Ferndown First School are showing their support for a parent who is taking part in the London Marathon by holding their own special mini marathon.

As John Burton trains hard for the marathon in April, pupils are training for their own event. They’ll be raising money for his supported charity Bournemouth-based Round Table Children’s Wish.

John, 30, said: “My five-year-old son Jack has seen how hard I’ve been training and he and his school friends wanted to get involved. 

“As a parent I realise how lucky I am to have two healthy children and I wanted to do something to help the charity help children with life-threatening illnesses.

“The training is going well – I’m up to 20 miles now and it’s better than I thought it would be. I’m grateful to all those who have sponsored me.”

The builder from Ferndown hopes to raise around £2,500 for RTCW, a charity granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Julie Atherton, fundraising coordinator at RTCW, added: “We’re delighted with the school’s support and hope they have as much enjoyment raising this money as the wish children do when they receive their wish.

“John is such a positive role model for these children and has already exceeded his sponsorship target set by the charity.”

The children will each take part in an event symbolising the number 26 to represent the number of miles in the marathon.

Headteacher Joanne Pringle said: “Knowing that they’re raising money for other children is very motivating for our pupils – they’re very excited about the event and are looking forward to hearing how John gets on.”