A CHEMISTRY teacher at a Worcester school has undertaken a gruelling charity running challenge to improve the lives of 10 homeless children in Tanzania.

John Wheeler has set himself the goal of completing 10 half marathons this year to raise money for the Amani Children's Home project, near Mount Kilimanjaro, in east Africa.

The scheme is aimed at supporting orphans and homeless children in Tanzania and The King's School teacher is hoping to raise enough money to support 10 youngsters for a year.

"It costs £100 a year for a child's entire living expenses and I am aiming to raise that with each half marathon," said the 42-year-old.

"The school is taking 40 pupils out to Tanzania to offer support in the summer. So it was a cause I knew about and I wanted to help."

The trip has been organised by the school's Himalayan Club, and will be its first to Tanzania.

"We are really hoping to set up links with school-age children out there," he said.

"We are going to help with the home project and even have a chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I used to run quite a lot some years ago and it seemed a good way to get fit and raise the money."

So far, Mr Wheeler has completed three of the 10 runs, including one in London and the Shakespeare Half Marathon, in Stratford-on-Avon, last weekend.

His next will be in Tewkesbury on Sunday, May 8, and he is planning to finish with The Great North Run, on September 18 - after a total of around 131 miles.

"I'm not too worried about my times but I hope they will improve over the races," added Mr Wheeler, who is also helping organise King's School's charity walk across the Malvern Hills on Monday.

"At the moment I am running at around the one hour 57 and one hour 53 minute marks. It would be nice to get below one hour an 50 minutes by the end."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Mr Wheeler should call the school office on 01905 721700.