A GRANDFATHER has decided to take part in the upcoming Reading Half Marathon with only four weeks’ preparation after being inspired by the support given to his two granddaughters.

Paul Mason will be on the starting line this Sunday with thousands of other runners, all hoping to raise funds for a chosen charity.

The 42-year-old from Lower Earley will be taking on the 13-mile challenge in a bid to raise funds for Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS) after witnessing first-hand how important the Buscot Ward is to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Paul’s youngest granddaughter Izzy was born prematurely at 32 weeks and he has been blown away by the dedication of staff during her treatment.

He said: “My wife saw on Facebook that they were appealing for runners at the last minute. She encouraged me to take part and with my granddaughter Izzy being in the Buscot Ward at the moment it made sense to run for such a great cause.

“It did hit me afterwards that I only had four weeks to train for it, but I have taken part in triathlons before. I will be aiming to complete the race in under two hours, but I will just be happy to finish and to run for such a worthwhile charity.

“Buscot have cared for both of my granddaughters, Izzy and Lottie, and my daughter Alice 20 years ago. The support they offer is incredible and I think it shows how much people care about the charity when you see how many people are running for them this year.”

Nearly 70 people will be running the Half Marathon for BIBS this year and Paul is hoping to play his part by contributing to a £20,000 fundraising target, which is enough to keep the Ward running for the next year with life-saving equipment.

The Buscot Ward is a small charity and is run almost entirely by the parents who visit and spend time at the hospital on a regular basis.

Visit: http://bit.ly/2mWOYzf to make a contribution to Paul’s fundraising and to help the Buscot team and the newborn babies they care for.

We have put together an eight-page pre-marathon supplement packaged with everything you need to know ahead of race day. Pick up Thursday's Reading Chronicle to keep yourself up to date.