A PERSHORE father and son team will be taking part in the Great Birmingham Run this weekend for a cause close to both their hearts.

Peter Rayner and his nine-year-old son Sam, both of Holloway Drive, Pershore, are looking forward to being able to complete the challenge together while raising funds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charities.

They decided to support the hospital in a bid to thank the team there for their support when six years ago Sam’s sister Lily required treatment after a valve in her heart closed.

Mr Rayner, aged 38, said: “Sam will be taking part in the junior run, which 2.5km, and I will be doing the Great Birmingham Run, which is 13.1 miles.

“Six years ago Lily had a valve in her heart close, which was to do with her being born prematurely. This is to try and say thank you to the hospital. It’s nice to try and give a few hundred quid for them to put towards a new piece of equipment.”

This isn’t the first time the duo have taken part in an event together.

“Sam did the junior mud run at Eastnor Castle this summer and I did the evening event the day before,” added Mr Rayner. “It is nice for us to be able to take part together.”

To support the pair visit justgiving.com/Sam-Rayner9.