A sports coach is hoping to raise money to improve creative arts lessons for his primary school by running the Brentwood half-marathon.

Russell Johnson, 47, from Epping, has been teaching at Epping Primary School in Coronation Hill for nine years is hoping to exceed his target of £250.

The fitness fanatic decided to raise money for the Friends of Epping Primary School around Christmas after meeting with the head of Parent Teacher Association.

“I am going to see if I can raise a few pounds and I am happy to do it,” said Mr Johnson. “They try to bring in as much money to increase creative arts activities, they want to improve the school’s stage and lighting for shows and assemblies.”

The 47-year-old was inspired to take on another race after completing the Colchester half-marathon last year to raise money for a pupil with leukaemia.

Although Mr Johnson runs for his own enjoyment through Epping Forest, he said its worth it to fund more creative art workshops.

“It feels like a good thing to do for the community the kids are great and budgets are tight in schools, its great to highlight what the PTA want to try and do. Anything we can get is a bonus.”

“I have been trying to stay off the chocolate as much as I can and looking forward to it and will hopefully create enough motivation when the going gets tough, knowing you are doing it for a good cause.”

The Brentwood half marathon takes place on Sunday, March 17.

Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mrjruns?utm_campaign=pfp-tweet&utm_content=MrJruns&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Twitter&utm_term=aAndxa8qb to make a donation to Russell.