A young Catholic from the West Midlands is all set to run six marathons in the height of summer to draw attention to the plight of Russian orphans.

Richard Peers, 26 and from Solihull, is will run six marathons across three continents in the height of summer throughout the course of August.

Mr Peers said: "I have decided to take up this challenge to raise awareness for the many thousands of Russian orphans whose lives are deprived of the basic necessities that we often take for granted."
He became involved with an orphanage, Kostroma Kids, when teaching in Russia last year. The orphanage, in Kostroma near Moscow, is regulated by the US charity iOrphan.com.