Vale defender Gareth Owen will be swapping his football boots for studs on Sunday when he takes part in the 2010K, an event to commemorate the centenary of the federation of Stoke on Trent.

Gareth will be running for the charity Help for Heroes, which raises money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country.

The charity is close to the heart of the Valiants centre-back, as his brother is currently an active serviceman.

"Luckily, my brother has never had to use the charity, but I don't think anyone can underestimate the work that Help for Heroes does in supporting the families of those who have not been so lucky.

"I am aiming to raise as much money as I possibly can and it's fantastic that I can tie that into an event like 2010K, which celebrates the fantastic history of Stoke on Trent."

Help for Heroes is also the official charity of The Football League.

You can sponsor Gareth and support Help for Heroes by logging on to the following website - www.bmycharity.com/garethowen2010K