A fundraiser, who enjoys nothing more that taking part in extreme sports with home appliances strapped to his back, is on a mission to raise money for Action For Kids in two of London’s half marathons this autumn.

Extreme Ironing Man, Simon Small, from Chelmsford, plans to cross the finishing lines at both Run to the Beat on Sunday 26 September, and the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 10 October to help raise funds for Action For Kids who support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their families across the country.

Simon, aged 40, says: “I've just returned from extreme ironing in Snowdonia in sub zero temperatures, battling against snow, ice and gail force winds. When I reached the summit of Snowdon I set up my board, took out my iron, and started ironing.

“In the two half marathons, I plan to stop at every mile, get my appliances out and iron an Action For Kids t-shirt.”

Run to the Beat, a unique event where runners aim for the finish line accompanied by a fusion of motivational music, was born after scientific research showed live and recorded music can improve running performance.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon, follows a 13.1 mile route past some of London’s most historic landmarks and through four of the city’s most royal parks - Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Kensington Gardens and Green Park and is an ethical alternative, with fair-trade bananas and t-shirts made from bamboo for the runners.

Action For Kids, which helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers, has a limited number of places still available in both half marathons, and is keen to hear from anyone interested in taking part.

Sarah Greene, Events Fundraiser at Action for Kids, said: "With our extreme ironing man amongst hundreds of runners preparing to take part, the half marathons will be great fun and fantastic days out for all the family.

“We have just 20 spaces left for Run to the Beat and 40 for Royal Parks Half Marathon so to avoid missing out, we urge anyone interested in taking part to contact the events team as soon as possible on 020 8347 8111 or email events@actionforkids.org.”

Action For Kids will give runners tailored fundraising and training advice right up to the event.

To find out more about the costs involved and for more information about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org

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