HE'LL be donning his trainers and working up a sweat in the name of charity.

Southampton student Ritchie Wood is hoping to clock up hundreds of pounds to boost funding for the Eastleigh and Winchester ME Support Group (EWME) when he takes part in the gruelling Cardiff half-marathon next month.

The athletic student, who is studying sports and management at Southampton Institute, has offered to donate all the cash he raises through sponsorship to the group, which helps ME sufferers cope with their illness.

The 21-year-old's friend and fellow student Joe Kendrick, 21, has also offered to do the 13.1-mile run to stump up funds for the cause.

But Ritchie holds the group dear to his heart as his mum Joy has suffered with the neurological disease, which affects the central nervous system and the immune system, for ten years.

He said: "I've grown up with my mum having ME and I've tried to help her as best I can. I wanted to do this to raise money for EWME and also to raise awareness. A lot of the people that have sponsored me have taken an interest in learning more about it. And Joe will be there running with me in support as well."

Secretary of EWMW Kathleen McCall said: "We are so delighted that the boys have offered to do this for the group. Ritchie has seen how badly the illness has affected his mum. It's really good of them to do it and it will really make a difference."

The half-marathon takes place on Sunday, October 3.

To sponsor Ritchie and Joe, call Kathleen on 023 8025 1719 or Joy on 023 8061 5784.