A local businessman has raised thousands for charity after taking on his first ever 10k race.

Mark Holland, 60, managing director of Holland Construction recently took part in the Saucony London 10k for Emmaus North Staffs and now the charity is set to provide more than 30 new bed kits thanks to the £6,500 Mark has raised.

Prior to the race, Mark had never run a 10K distance before, but after meeting Executive Lead of Emmaus North Staffs - John Webbe - at a community event earlier this year - the 60-year-old was determined to help raise more awareness for the charity's Beds for Kids campaign.

Mark said: "I've been blown away by people's kindness and the charity has really been taken to people's hearts."

"When I first met John and got to learn about the charity and their campaign to support local families, I was blown away and it really touched me.

"People I know have also genuinely found it hard to believe of the need for beds on our doorsteps and although we have done so well and reduced the bed list by 30 or more, that still sadly means that around thousands of local children are still without a bed - which is unbelievable."

Emmaus North Staffs have been providing brand new bed kits - which include a bed, mattress and bedding - to Stoke-on-Trent families since their campaign launched in 2022, with more than 500 bed kits delivered.

Even though Mark's race has been completed, his Just Giving Page is still open with donations still continuing to come in.

Mark added: "I want to keep the story going now and definitely want to continue the relationship with Emmaus North Staffs who are doing great work in our City and surrounding areas."

Emmaus North Staffs is based on Old Hall Street in Hanley with a large furniture shop open to the public.

John said: "The number of children who do not have a bed of their own is really quite staggering.

"Figures are still showing approximately 9,000 local children do not have their own bed, therefore help from people like Mark, and those who have supported him with the Saucony London 10K race, is appreciated beyond words - it is a huge help."

"Since the race I have more and more people contacting me and asking me how things went and asking about Beds for Kids," says Mark.

"The donations have not yet stopped which is incredible and we are not far away from reaching a target of £7,000. I cannot thank everyone enough for their kind support which is all helping to make a difference."

For more details about Mark's fundraiser click here.