City boss Tony Pulis has today vowed to run this year's London Marathon in aid of raising funds for the Donna Louise Children's Hospice Trust.

Pulis, 51, will aim to run the entire 26 mile distance through the country's capital just 24 hours after the Potters' Barclays Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday 26th April.

This will be the latest in a number of special fund raisers for the Treetops Hospice, which is based less than one mile away from the Britannia Stadium, following Rory Delap's 172 mile bike trek last year which raised over £2,000, and the half-marathon that five of the Club's staff will also be taking part in shortly.

Announcing the news Pulis said, "You only have to walk a mile down the road from the Football Club to leave behind the affluence of the Premier League and enter the real world.

"It is not just about the poorly kiddies there at the Donna Louise Children's Hospice, but also the parents who go through such a lot themselves.

"As a father of three myself, I can imagine what that must be like for them.

"I've ran it before when I was 40 so I know how hard it will be, especially as I won't have anywhere near as much preperation time as I did that time.

"I got a late wildcard into the marathon through BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce, who is also taking part, and I think he left it as late as possible so he can get ahead of me in terms of fitness!

"I'm determined to finish it though even if I have to walk round the latter parts."

Melanie Mills, Head of Fundraising & PR for the Donna Louise, added, "We are very grateful to Tony for raising much-needed funds for us by running the London Marathon.

"Stoke City Football Club are fantastic supporters of the charity, and time and again the players, management and staff have shown their dedication and commitment to making a difference to life threatened children in their community.

"We wish Tony all the best for the race and urge people to go on the fundraising site and raise loads of money so we can continue to provide vital respite and end of life care to children who desperately need our support."

Celebrity supporter Nick Hancock will be helping to drum up publicity for fundraising so be sure to watch out for special reports on the television, radio and in the press.

To sponsor Tony, please visit www.justgiving.com/tonypulis.

(picture - City boss Tony Pulis alongside Nick Hancock and Melanie Mills of the Donna Louise at this morning's press event)