AN IT worker has pledged to run 12 marathons in 12 months for charity – whilst wearing his kilt.

Gerry Dooner, 44, who works at foodservice provider Bidfood in Slough, has already run two of the 12 half-marathons in Farnborough and Portsmouth.

The IT analyst, based at the site in Leigh Road, is running in his traditional, Scottish kilt and will hit the Windsor and Burnham Beeches halves later in the year. It is all part of his bid to raise money for Age UK and the Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity.

Mr Dooner said: “Age UK is a charity incredibly close to my heart so it was important to me to give back to an organisation which dedicates its time to assist vulnerable elderly people within our society.

“I also chose to support Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity to give back to those children that sadly are unable to enjoy a normal, carefree childhood. I wanted to donate to this charity to also support the staff who work tirelessly to keep a smile on the children’s faces by giving them the best possible care.”

Mr Dooner has also organised fundraising activities throughout the year. A few weeks ago he held a charity bake sale and mufti day at the Slough office, where he raised a further £250 for charity. Amongst those sponsoring him is Chris Walkden, general manager of Bidfood’s Slough depot.

Suzie Simmons, head of fundraising for the children’s hospital said: “It is an incredible challenge that Gerry is undertaking.”