A Hagley man has been inspired by a three-year-old girl's horrific story from Pakistan to run the Birmingham Half Marathon.

Having learned about the brutal rape and murder of a little girl, named Mercy, near a One By One office in Pakistan, Ben Gregory, 27, leaped into action.

Mr Gregory, propelled by the grim account, will lace up his running shoes to raise funds for survivors of trafficking and abuse in Uganda.

One By One, a charity focused on thwarting the trafficking and exploitation of women and children, revealed the heart-wrenching narrative.

Consequently, the charity is now launching its inaugural Mercy Centre in Uganda, offering a refuge and rehabilitation for trafficked children.

Mr Gregory said: "I found the horrendous story of Mercy's life incredibly sad and moving, and I just want to do what I can to help children in such terrible situations.

"I am running for Mercy as I know the brilliant work that One By One does and have supported them for years.

"If running the half marathon can help raise vital funds to build the Mercy Centre, then it will be worth the effort."

He will partake in the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon on May 5, alongside over 100 people worldwide participating in Running For Mercy to bankroll the £150,000 project.

Ms Becky Murray, One By One CEO said: "We’re so grateful for Ben.

"He has been a generous supporter of ours for years and always wants to do what he can to help.

"We will be cheering him on this Sunday – people like Ben enable us to help stop more children being trafficked."

Supporters can sponsor Ben Gregory at www.justgiving.com/page/ben-gregory-1713997184806.