A MAN with a stoma bag is running 10K a day this month to raise money for two charities close to his heart.

Ian Walker, from Worcester, is taking on the challenge in a bid to raise cash for Worcester Street Cafe, and Purple Wings Charity which supports people with an ostomy and helps them regain confidence.

Mr Walker, who has a permanent stoma bag after suffering with an inflammatory bowel disease, had the final part of his bowel surgery 12 weeks ago.

He said he was inspired after having his stoma, named Stan, and wants to embrace his 'second chance' at life. He had been suffering from ulcerative colitis for six years.

The condition progressively got worse, and in March last year, Mr Walker was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for an emergency operation to have his bowels removed, which saved his life.

He said: “Having a stoma saved my life, so now I don’t want to waste the second chance I’ve been given.

“I am raising money for two charities close to my heart. This will go towards helping them to continue to provide a vital service they offer to people who are sometimes in their darkest hour.”

He previously told the Worcester News: “My body was attacking my bowels and it caused a lot of blood and mucus.

“I deteriorated so quickly and became very ill. I was rushed to hospital. The staff saved my life.”

Mr Walker, aged 38, has volunteered for the street café which feeds the homeless and vulnerable in Worcester four nights a week.

Volunteers set up tables in Copenhagen Street and give out hot drinks, freshly cooked meals, puddings and food to be taken away.

This food is stock that has been unsold that day in Greggs.

Mr Walker said: “I had the final part of my bowel surgery only 12 weeks ago and wanted to set myself a challenge to focus on during my recovery, so decided to run 10k a day throughout the month of August. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to help two charities very close to my heart in my hometown of Worcester.”

So far £1,025 has been raised. To support the charities, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/irunfar10kaday