ARMY veteran James Campbell-Barnard is aiming to raise awareness for the NSPCC’s Speak out Stay Safe programme by running the London Marathon dressed as Childline mascot Buddy.

James, who lives in Gillingham and served in the army for over two decades, wants to highlight the children’s charity’s Schools’ Service, which taught more than 19,000 pupils across Dorset last year about the different kinds of abuse, during visits to 85 primary schools.

The initiative is provided to primary schools free of charge and is delivered through a mixture of assemblies and workshops that help teach children how to identify a trusted adult to speak to if they are worried about something.

During each individual visit, the children also learn about physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect and bullying in an age appropriate way.

Supporting the NSPCC is a family affair for James, as his wife Sarah delivers the assemblies to children across Somerset.

She said: “I was thrilled when James told me he wanted to run the London Marathon for the NSPCC as I work for its Schools’ Service and have seen how beneficial it is for the children.

“By raising money for the Schools’ Service it means we can reach out to all the primary schools across the country. Every child should be able to hear the message of Speak out Stay safe.” If you would like to support James with his fundraising, visit his fundraising page at virginmoneygiving.com