A VICAR and his wife will be attempting to raise vital funds for disadvantaged and disabled people in Africa by taking part in the upcoming half marathon.

Graeme and Amy Fancourt are hoping to raise £1,000 for the Amani Centre in Tanzania by completing the 13-mile course this Sunday.

After being inspired by the voluntary work at St Luke's Church, Greame and his wife, who is head of Psychology at Queen Anne's School in Caversham, decided to play their part.

Graeme said: "My brother has severe physical and mental difficulties and I witnessed the way he was treated in this country and the sacrifices my parents had to make to enable him to flourish.

"The Amani Centre is seeking to aid families to do just that in even more trying circumstances and it is my hope that Amy and I can raise awareness for the fantastic things this project is seeking to do. It is a safe haven in many ways for these kids and their families.

"The Centre receives no aid from the government and the cultural stigma around disabled people in this part of the world is that the mother is either cursed, or the child has been cursed by God, so many are abandoned, neglected or abused."

Friends of Amani Tanzania is a UK registered charity supporting the work of many dedicated volunteers in the Morogoro Region of Tanzania.

If you would like to support Graeme and Amy, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Fancourts to make a contribution to the £1,000 target.

We have put together an eight-page pre-marathon supplement packaged with everything you need to know ahead of race day. Pick up Thursday's Reading Chronicle to keep yourself up to date.