A father of two who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis seven-years-ago says he is looking forward to taking part in his first Bath Half Marathon on Saturday.

David Elliott, of Worle, has completed several charity runs since being diagnosed with the neurological condition.

The 37-year-old says after discovering he had the condition he wanted to raise awareness and funds for MS charities which offered help.

He completed a trek in China in 2007, the London 10k run last year and this year completed Tough Ten, has entered the Bath Half and is trekking in Kilimanjaro in April.

David said he entered the first two events for the MS Trust and the beneficiary this year is The West of England Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Therapy Centre in Nailsea.

The centre is run as a charity with no NHS or Government funding and provides support and relief of symptoms to people with MS using a range of complementary therapies.

It has its sights set on larger premises at Bradley Stoke and has launched the Daystar Appeal to help raise money.

So far about £450,000 has been pledged towards the total of £2.5 million.

David, a contracts manager said: "I have been running since last summer. I was diagnosed seven years ago, it is one of those nasty things that happen in life but I am fine in myself, I don't have any adverse symptoms.

"I wanted to raise awareness about MS and thought by taking part in events it would help."

David and his wife Susan, 36, have two children, Olivia, 10 and Megan, seven, who attend Castle Batch School in Worle.

Olivia will be competing in the children's two-mile race at the Bath event.

David added: "She is running it on her own and we are really proud of her.

"We are slowly introducing her to the world of MS and she will also be collecting sponsorship for the therapy centre."

To find out more about the MS therapy centre visit www.mstherapybristol.org.uk.

To sponsor David call 07889072501 or email dpe@countycontractors.co.uk.