Getting a new job at a special needs school changed Dean Papali's life - leading to a lifetime career and a family.

Dean, 35, met his wife Niki 13 years ago when they were both working as mentors at Haybrook College special needs school in Burnham.

Dean said: "I started as a mentor in the classroom at the school and became passionate about it and went on to get my qualifications as a teacher."

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He has now been a teacher there for seven years, while Niki is the careers advisor.

Now they are undertaking another project together away from the school - raising money for two favourite charities by taking part in the Marathon Month challenge with the help of their eight-year-old son Tyler.

The three, who live in Amerden Way, Cippenham, set out to cover a 26.2 mile marathon distance each over the month of January.

Dean said: "I saw Marathon Month advertised at Christmas and thought it would help me keep fit. Then I thought it would be nice to get the whole family involved.

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"Niki and Tyler did a three mile run at Dorney on Friday. Our youngest son Jaxon is only four so he is our mascot."

Dean is raising money for the Prostate Cancer UK charity.

He said: "My grandfather had prostate cancer but successfully beat it. He is 80 now.

"Niki is running for Thames Hospice. We have already passed our target and gone well over the planned £1,000 mile target but plan to carry on for the rest of the month."

You can find the family's fund raising details on https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicola-papali or https://runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/papalis-marathon-in-a-month