A THORNBURY man is puting his best foot forward to raise money for a meningitis charity.

Simon Lemin, 26, of Thornbury, is busy preparing himself for the Bristol half marathon, being held in September, to raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation.

The mechanical design engineer said: "I am supporting the foundation because of the vital work they do in combating meningitis.

"I’m from Thornbury and the charity is a local good cause.

"I am trying to start training but I haven’t run further than four miles in my life. I have a Wii Fit but I don’t that will help much."

Joining Simon in the half marathon is friend Ed Dickson, 26, of Bagstone.

The two pals hope to raise more than £500 between them to go to the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Christopher Head, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "We are delighted that Simon has decided to support Meningitis Research Foundation.

"It is only through the generosity and the hard work of the public that the Foundation is able to fund research, raise awareness and support those who have already been affected by meningitis and septicaemia."

Meningitis Research Foundation estimates there are 3,300 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK.

Since it was founded in 1989, Meningitis Research Foundation has awarded 123 research grants, leading to many advances in the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia.

For more information about the charity visit, www.meningitis.org To sponsor Simon and Ed or to make a donation call 01454 281814.