A kind-hearted firefighter plans to run a marathon to help his friend's severely brain damaged son.

Joe Hassell, 28, of Colchester, will be joined by retained fireman Keith Wells, 41, of Walton, who was touched by pictures of children in need of wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Mr Hassell, of Colchester, started a rigorous training regime a few months ago to prepare for the London Marathon.

But while many run the long race to get the best time they can, Mr Hassell's main aim is to raise money for three-year-old Dale Collins.

Dale has severe brain damage, impaired vision and suffers from a rare type of fit, in which his muscles fail to relax when he is tired.

He attends a specialist centre in Somerset called Brainwave, which uses special exercises to try and stimulate parts of the brain that are not damaged.

Mr Hassell said: "I wanted to do it for young Dale specifically as I used to play football with his dad Dave and I was at school with his uncles. My aim is to raise money for the Brainwave centre as well as for Dale himself.

Mr Hassell aims to run the marathon in a time of 3hrs 30mins and is hoping local firms or individuals might help with sponsorship.

Mr Wells, 41, of Walton Road, has never run a marathon before. He has contacted the charity Whizz-Kidz, which provides mobility aids for youngsters, and is planning to run under their banner.

Mr Wells, who is married with two teenage children, has been training since the beginning of the year.

Anyone willing to sponsor Mr Wells should contact him on 01255 677709 or Mr Hassell on 07939 042563.

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