Local footballer Jon Roberts is facing the challenge of a lifetime as he gears up to run the Edinburgh Marathon.

Jon, 24, who works for Carmarthenshire County Council, can usually be seen on the weekend enjoying a few quiet pints at The Temple Bar, Amroth... but on May 31, he will be donning his shorts and running 26.2 miles to raise money for Hope for Children.

"It's been a while," said Jon. "The last time I ran a competitive race was the Dale half marathon, and that was over three years ago!

"I started my training regime in January, and have already done a few 13-mile runs, which are encouraging, but there is a long way to go!"

The hard work will all be worthwhile for Jon if he succeeds in raising £500 for Hope for Children.

"I'm very lucky in that I've had what could be called a privileged childhood; I've been gifted with a great family, I've never really wanted for anything and I've also spent the whole of my life living just minutes from the coast!

"When you think that there are children all over the world who do not have the luxury of a warm meal, a roof over their heads or just a general feeling of safety, it really puts everything in to perspective.

"Hope for Children has done so much for children here and abroad, now it's time I did something for them."

Jon is known as a keen sportsman within the community; he plays football for Pendine Seconds and is a member of the Temple Bar darts team in Amroth. He's hoping the local community will support him in his marathon challenge.

"My friends, family, work colleagues and team mates have been very generous and I hope other people in the area will sponsor me if they can," said Jon.

"Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean Hope for Children can continue their invaluable work helping children all over the world improve their quality of life."

You can sponsor Jon by visiting his online fund-raising page at http://www.justgiving.com/jonroberts84">www.justgiving.com/jonroberts84. You can pay by credit or debit card, and the money will go directly to Hope for Children. Where supporters are UK taxpayers, the charity will automatically receive 28 per cent extra in Gift Aid, which makes Justgiving the most efficient way of sponsoring Jon.