A recruitment expert will take on the London Marathon for a charity close to his heart.

James Cronin, a director at GMP Recruitment in Worcester, will run the famous 26.2-mile course next April in aid of AngelmanUK.

He hopes to raise £10,000 for the charity, which supports those affected by Angelman syndrome, a rare neurological condition.

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Mr Cronin's motivation comes from four-year-old Ava Pincott, his business partner Mike's daughter, who has lived with the condition since birth.

Mr Cronin said: "Ava is a wonderful, inspirational, and very happy little girl who approaches life with a smile.

"Children suffering from Angelman syndrome will always need support with different parts of their lives, so playing my role in helping them has really driven me on and I’m delighted I’ve secured a place in London next year.

"The training is tough but it’s going well and is helping me to eat healthier too.

"It would be the icing on the cake to reach my fundraising target in the months ahead which will help those affected by the condition across the country."

Rachel Martin, chair of the charity, said: "James is going to amazing lengths and efforts to raise money for the charity and we’re hugely grateful.

"It will be a significant boost as we are so dependent on donations.

"Ultimately, we want to raise awareness of Angelman syndrome and the challenges it brings, and also build a stronger community."

The charity, set up by parents of children with the condition in 1992, has supported hundreds of families over the past three decades.

The charity estimates one in 15,000 people are affected by Angelman syndrome.

More information about the charity can be found on its website https://www.angelmanuk.org/.

Readers can contribute to Mr Cronin's cause by donating on his Just Giving page (https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-cronin-1724956957531?newPage=true).