A MARATHON runner is organising a fundraising sports day to raise money so children with special needs can enjoy a day out at the beach.

Stephen Turner, 31, of Lockside Marina, Chelmsford, has organised the fun day of activities to raise money for children who attend Columbus School and College, as ever-tightening budgets mean parents often have to foot the bill for additional activities.

He said: "Currently special needs schools budgets are tight and this puts a strain on the types of activities the children can enjoy on days out.

"Days out are a vital part of the childrens' lives as it is where they experience the most excitement and enjoyment, they get to interact with each other in fun surroundings and their families get to see how much fun they had during the day from the reactions when they return home and photos from the day.

"My mum, Sarah Lambert, who is also helping to organise the event, works at the school and sees it first hand how much joy the days out give the kids and their families."

Together, the mum and son team hope to bring the community together to support the school and college, so its Discovery Club can take the children out for a fully funded day at the beach without parents or the school having to dip into their own wallets.

Stephen, who ran the London Marathon in April for Children with Cancer UK, added: "The children of the club love going to the beach and the school has not been able to go for a couple of years.

"It is a chance for the children to feel, see and run around on the sand and in the sea.

"Additionally, the beach has special wheelchairs available making the day accessible for the disabled children of the club who sometimes have to miss out on days out as not all activities are suitable/wheelchair friendly."

To fully fund the day the family also hope to get corporate sponsorship from companies and would be delighted if anyone interested could get in touch.

The sports day, which will run at the school in Chelmsford between 10am and 3pm on Sunday, June 5, will feature bouncy castles, cake and craft stalls as well as football, netball and tug of war competitions.

To register email stephenturner85@gmail.com Entry is £100 per team.