A WORCESTER man is taking part in the Worcester City 10K Race, for the benefit of people living in an under-developed country.

Sam Carey, of Northwick, is tackling the race to raise money for charity Tearfund and to secure his ticket to Bolivia where he will be spreading awareness of HIV in the country's capital, Sucre.

The former Loughborough University sports student is now in training for the event, and says he is looking forward to it.

21 year old Mr Carey who works in Redditch, said: "This will be my first 10K race, and my first fundraising effort. In an ideal world I will be able to keep up with Paula Radcliffe, but not sure about that.

"I have been training by running with the black pear running group and getting active on my own, so hopefully it should be OK.

"With going to the university that I did, I'm quite sporty anyway. I'm just really looking forward to it now, it should be a great event."

Mr Carey has a target of raising £800 to fulfil his ambition of flying over to Bolivia.

"I have so far raised nearly £300 so it's going well and a lot of people are showing great support.

"HIV is a big problem for people over there, as it is a very underdeveloped country and doesn't have the medical facilities we do. I'm going over there to raise awareness by working in the community centres and churches and speaking to people to try and spread the word of the disease.

"I will be working with people of all ages and backgrounds in running art and drama workshops, all with the purpose of educating people about how to prevent contracting HIV.

Mr Carey is set to travel to Bolivia, as part of the Tearfund ICS programme, on Saturday, September 27, and stay out there until Saturday, December 6.
To donate to his cause, visit justgiving.com/Sam-Carey2
For more information on the charity, visit tearfund.org

The event is the first in a series that cram hopes to roll out across some of the UK's most picturesque and historical cities.

Taking place on Sunday, September 21, the 10K will be accompanied by the Worcester City Young Athletes Runs over 3K and one-mile distances, for 11 to 15-year-olds and those under the age of 11.

The 50K Worcester City run-bike-run event, which comprises of the open 10K run, a 35K bike ride, and a further 5K run, will also take place, available for both individuals and teams.

All events will finish against the backdrop of Worcester Racecourse, with prize money on offer for the first three finishers in male and female categories.
For more information, or to enter visit worcestercityrun.com