A FATHER-of-two is running from Bristol to York to raise money for a children's charity.

Former professional rugby player Brian Gabriel works for Aviva, and will be running from the company's Bristol office to the York office in an effort to raise £3,000 for the NSPCC.

Brian, 50, will be accompanied by his colleague Nick Johnson, who will cycle double the 204-mile distance, over the seven-day challenge.

He said: "I agreed to do an NSPCC event a couple of years ago, but due to injury I couldn’t take part.

"I still wanted to raise the money so after a few too many glasses of wine I agreed to run from Bristol to York. I’m getting as many miles in as possible before I go."

Brian has been in training for the week-long event by running 30 to 35 miles a week, and recently ran the Brighton Marathon, and said he planned to avoid main roads in an effort "to see some picturesque parts of the country".

He said: "I’m nervous but I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be good fun.

"Having played rugby professionally I was looking for a challenge and to keep up the competitive edge. Or it’s a mid-life crisis – it was this or a Harley Davidson."

Anna Keir, fundraising manager for Bristol's NSPCC, said: "This is an incredible effort from Brian and I hope he enjoys the run.

"The money raised will go towards our vital services, like the Speak Out Stay Safe programme and Childline. Almost 90 per cent of NSPCC funding is from donations we are extremely grateful for the money and awareness raised."

To donate go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Brian-Gabriel4