A CARING Sedgley man is ready to follow in his father’s footsteps – as fast as he can – by running a marathon.

Scott Bates hopes to raise enough cash to grant the wish of residents at the care home where he works, who want to eat fish and chips by the seaside.

The 32-year-old activities coordinator at Ditton Priors Care Centre, near Bridgnorth, has always dreamed of running the Carver Wolverhampton City Marathon – just like his dad, Christopher Bates, did in the early 1980s.

“I did a half marathon about 10 years ago but it’s been my ambition to run a full one – and to beat my dad’s time of four hours 58 minutes,” said Scott, who lives in The Ridgeway, with his wife, Carrie, one-year-old son Tobie and six-month-old daughter Luanna.

“I’ve always been active as a footballer and used to be entertainments manager at a gym.

“But I wanted a change of career and became activities coordinator at Ditton Priors Care Centre, where I am also taking my NVQ Level II in care.

“The residents are so lovely and they have told us they would love to go to Barmouth or Aberystwyth to eat fish and chips by the sea.

“So I decided to start training for the marathon – I’m up to about 18 miles per run now – with the aim of raising at least £500 to put towards a seaside trip for them.

"And I hope to beat my dad’s time in the marathon – I reckon I could do it in four and a half hours.”

Scott said he decided now was the time to follow in his 58-year-old father's marathon footsteps before it was too late as he heads through his 30s.

He has been in training since May and says he will be ready for the full marathon on Sunday (September 4).

Jamie Drake, manager of Ditton Priors Care Centre, said: “We’re really proud of Scott for taking on this challenge.

“He organises lots of events to keep our residents entertained – and they will love it if they can have an outing to the seaside thanks to Scott’s efforts in the marathon.”