An adventurous firefighter is set to tackle a gruelling 100km run from London to Brighton to raise money for a youngster with congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

Dean Woodburn, 45, is tackling the challenge later this month to raise money for Stanley Newman and the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity.

Little Stanley, six, suffers from a rare form of the progressive muscle-wasting condition which is gradually weakening him.

Dean, who lives in Coggeshall Way, Halstead, has known Stanley and his family for a number of years as he works with Stanley’s dad, Rob, on the same watch at Clacton firestation.

Dean will be setting off from the start line in Richmond, London, on May 26 before pounding the pavements to his final destination on Brighton seafront.

The distance, which is the equivalent to two and a half marathons, will take him about 15 hours to complete.

“Stanley is a brave young boy who has a rare muscle disorder but with medical treatment and physiotherapy he has been able to do a lot more than was expected,” Dean said.

“He’s been through various operations and still has more to come - that’s the reason why this charity is so close to my heart.

“All the firefighters have been sponsoring me and I have known Rob and his family for about 25 years. I really don’t know how much money I’m going to raise - I only started collecting the money over the past few weeks but if I can, I would like to raise £1,000.

“I have done hardly any training but it’s all about raising the money for Stanley.”

Rob, 43, of Clacton, said the money Dean raises will go towards Stanley’s Oasis - a state-of-the-art accessible garden with a therapy room and hydrotherapy tub.

The work will cost around £20,000 to complete and the Newmans have so far raised about £15,500.

“The money is going straight to the garden,” Rob said.

“The builders have began work on the garden and the money Dean will raise will be gratefully received and is much-needed.”

To donate to the fund visit justgiving.com and search Dean Woodburn.