THEY say third time’s a charm and one half marathon runner hopes this will ring true when he pounds the streets of Warrington all in the name of a worthy cause.

Nick Bent, from Great Sankey, is aiming to smash his previous fundraising targets when he takes part in the English Half Marathon Festival of Run in September for the third time.

The 42-year-old is determined to cross the finish line to raise vital funds for the Warrington Guardian’s charity of the year Home-Start Warrington (HSW) – a charity close to his heart.

With an army of trained volunteers at the ready, HSW tackles issues and provides support for families dealing with a range of problems from isolation and substance abuse to illness and for those who just need an extra pair of hands.

“Warrington is a thriving and successful town but occasionally families go through hard times and need a bit of support. This is why HSW is great,” said the Labour parliamentary candidate for Warrington South.

“The fact that there are so many great people who are willing to volunteer and to work alongside a family, who are having a difficult time and help them to get back on their feet again, is wonderful.

“They also help to give children the best possible start in life.”

Nick, who has worked closely with the charity for the past five years, has witnessed what a difference the charity can make to the community.

“It really is a worthwhile charity. Not only do they just look after the families, they look after the volunteers too,” he added.

HSW has launched an appeal to find more runners to hit the streets of Warrington in the English Half Marathon to raise vital cash to ensure the charity can continue to help families in need.

Scheme manager Kate Griffiths added: “HSW doesn’t receive any Government funding and we rely on fundraising events to keep our charity going so we are always grateful of the support we get.”

To sponsor Nick or to take part in the half marathon in aid of HSW visit homestart-warrington.org.uk or call 652320.