A PLUMBER will down tools and raise money for a Basingstoke hospice when he takes on his first half-marathon next week.

Tony Green, of Midlane Close, Viables, will run the Reading Half-Marathon on Sunday, March 21, and hopes to raise hundreds of pounds for St Michael’s Hospice in the process.

The 28-year-old will run with his girlfriend Jenny Collins, who works at the hospice.

He said: “She started working there two months ago and she comes home telling me about the work they do there. It seems like a very good cause.

“The care they provide at the hospice really does touch you because the people there have life-limiting illnesses.”

Mr Green has not done a half-marathon before and is training with his 27-year-old partner. But he admits his first half-marathon could be his last.

He told The Gazette: “Working as a plumber, I am always on my knees so doing training after work makes me feel shattered.”

The novice runner is aiming to raise more than £200 for the hospice. To sponsor him, visit justgiving.com/tonytheplumber.

The hospice received more than £4,000 last year from fundraising marathon runners, and is hoping to get even more this year.

For more information about donating, contact Sarah Evans, community fundraiser at the hospice, on 01256 848848.