A keen marathon runner is hoping to beat his personal best and raise money to support the victims of the recent Pakistan floods when he dons his trainers for the Birmingham Half Marathon on 24th October. 

Gurj Lalli, 31, from Birmingham, was so touched by the scenes of devastation he saw on the TV, he decided he would do something to help the millions of people affected. "The area was one of the worst hit since the Tsunami in Thailand back in 2004." he said. "Latest reports are that over 20 million people have been affected and they will need every penny to help rebuild their homes and their lives."

Gurj, a Services Team Leader at Nottingham's IT solutions specialist, XMA, is a keen runner and has completed marathons in Paris and Barcelona. He added: "Last year I completed the Birmingham Half Marathon in 1 hour 50 minutes. I am really hoping I can beat that this year."

Over 1.6 million people are said to have died in the floods disaster. In the aftermath there is now a serious risk to survivors from potentially deadly diseases, including cholera, which can spread as a result of contaminated surface and drinking water. Gurj added:  "Any support would be massively appreciated. Anyone who wants to help me raise money for the people affected by these floods can sponsor me at www.justgiving.com/Gurj-Lalli."