PIC CAPTION; Harry Arnold-Harris running the London Marathon in 2014.

A FORMER Malvern man is returning to the town for his 30th birthday, in the hope of raising money for a much-needed cause.

Harry Arnold-Harris grew up in Malvern, attended Hanley Castle High School and worked at several pubs in the area before moving to London where he now works in the City.

Along with two of his university chums, Tom Fogg and Chris Jones, he is running the Paris Marathon in April in aid of the Motor Neuron Disease Association.

“It’s been ten years since the three of us met, and after three degrees, three homes together and everything in between, we have never done anything as important as raising money for this amazing charity,” he said.

“I have been in London for some years but Malvern is still my real home, and my mum and step-father along with a lot of good friends have put together a raffle and race-night, and it would be great to see a good crowd at the event.

"It is my birthday that day, and the best present of all would be to see a big crowd, and for us to raise a lot of money.”

The event is at Christ Church Hall, Avenue Road, on Friday, March 23, with the first race at 7.30pm.

BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Dave Bradley will be hosting the event, with eight races in all, plus a stand-up quiz and backwards bingo.

Races are available to sponsor for just £20, and for that the sponsors get two free tickets, with the race and all eight horses named after them and their friends or family.

Entry is £5 to include a pork roll at the interval, but punters are advised to bring their own drinks as there will not be a licensed bar.

Mr Arnold-Harris said: “We have some great raffle prizes: cricket, rugby and theatres tickets, vouchers for local businesses, and a free portrait of your pet.

“I know the people of Malvern are always very generous from my time working in the town, and there is a lot of call on their good nature, but I am hoping for a good turn-out to give the charity a real boost.”