A FITNESS fanatic is gearing up to run in the Paris Marathon to raise money for disabled children.

John Winder, of Newhall Lane, Heaton, hopes to complete the 26.2 miles for national charity Get Kids Going.

The 38-year-old will travel to the French capital on April 10 for the gruelling challenge.

The former teacher, who has run previous marathons in London and Amsterdam, aims to finish the run under four hours.

Mr Winder said: "I really wanted to help disabled children and young people to get going, especially those kids who can't even walk, never mind run!

"The children desperately need wheelchairs to get about and compete in sports such as marathons. The average cost of a sports wheelchair is £3,000, so I'm hoping to raise as much as I can."