A FATHER of two will be having a different type of knees-up to celebrate his 40th birthday this summer by running 40 half marathons in 40 days for a children's charity after being inspired by his own children.

Stephen McAlinden will be running 13.1 miles everyday from Thursday (May 29) until his 40th birthday on Monday, July 7, all in aid of the NSPCC.

The 39-year-old will be taking on the half marathons at the Droitwich Spa Lido in a two mile circuit between 6.30pm and 8.30pm every evening until he's completed his daily target.

By the time he has completed his challenge he will have clocked up 524 miles, the same distance as running from London to Italy.

Mr McAlinden, who is from Droitwich, said: "It is different types of knees-up to what people would expect me to do for my 40th birthday but I am a proud volunteer for the NSPCC so I wanted to do something special for a wonderful organisation.

"I have been fundraising for the charity since 2004 before my own children, Gabriel, eight, and Jude aged six, were born.

"I have been blessed with two beautiful children who have brought much joy and I believe all children should have the opportunity to be cared for in a peaceful, loving and safe environment. I am happy and grateful to be in a position to offer my support to the NSPCC."

Mr McAlinden is one among a number of NSPCC volunteers being recognized as NSPCC Volunteer Heroes during the month of June for his efforts to support the children’s charity.

He volunteers his time by completing fundraising challenges like his NSPCC 40 run next week and is one of more than 10,000 people who undertake a wide range of activities on behalf of the charity.

Deborah Chandos Hall, NSPCC head of community fundraising, said: "Stephen’s epic marathon challenge is nothing short of astonishing and an amazing way to raise money for vulnerable children and young people.

"Volunteers like Stephen really are heroes to us and more importantly to the children that we work to protect.

"I want to say a big thank on behalf of the children and young people to Stephen and a happy 40th birthday from the NSPCC."

Mr McAlinden is hoping to raise more than £1,000 from his challenge. To support him or check his progress visit justgiving.com/40Marathons.