A WYRE Forest-based PR guru will be lacing up his running shoes to tackle the gruelling London Marathon to help fund research into a rare gene disorder.

Public relations specialist Stuart Henry, of Bewdley, wants to raise £3,000 for the Reverse Rett charity, which aims to speed treatments and cures for the disorder that causes phyisical and mental disability, when he takes part in the 26-mile race next month.

He is running the world’s most famous marathon for toddler Blake McMillan, who is from Mr Henry’s native Dundee.

The two year-old was diagnosed with the rare meCP2 duplication syndrome two years ago – a Rett duplication disorder which affects 15 Thursday, March 20, 2014 kidderminstershuttle.co.uk The Shuttle only 100 children across the UK.

The condition means the tot will grow up severely disabled and have learning difficul - ties.

Mr Henry, who runs PR agency Henry Pepper PR from Stourport, said: “I am not an experienced long- distance runner but I wanted to do something to help Blake and his family.

"I went to school in Dundee with Blake’s father Paul and even though I now live hundreds of miles away, I wanted to give their fund - raising campaign another boost.

“Blake’s family are amazing and they have achieved a huge amount in the past few years, both to aid his de - velopment but, importantly, to raise money, which will fund research into his condition.

“The hope is that a cure will be found for Blake and the small number of other children who suf - fer from meCP2 in the UK.

“My training has been tough but it keeps me going to know that I am doing my bit for little Blake.”

As part of his fundraising for the marathon, which takes place on April 13, the 34-year-old has brought on board four local businesses as his main sponsors for the marathon, Henry Pepper PR, law firm mfg Solicitors, property management specialists Premier Places, and Kidderminster’s Solid Surfacing Company.

He added: “Local people and businesses have been so generous with their donations and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me so far."

People can sponsor Mr Henry at justgiving.com/runningforblake