PORLOCK father-of-three and casual runner Benjamin Perry became aware of increasing pressures on his children’s school budget – so he entered the Taunton Half Marathon to raise some funds.

And this week, he handed over a cheque for £446.50 to St Dubricius First School. 

Benjamin only took up casual running two years ago but he completed the 13-mile run in April in a respectable two hours six minutes. 

Head teacher Chris Blazey said the school was delighted to have been chosen as beneficiary of Benjamin’s sponsored run. 

“School finances are tighter than ever, and we are increasingly relying on the support of our parents and the local community to allow us the ‘extras’ such as new toys, playground equipment and subscriptions to learning resources.”

Now Benjamin is in training for the Bridgwater half marathon which takes place in September.