The Warrnambool media personality will pull on his running shoes for the Bank of Melbourne Marathon next month in order to raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC).

Regular listeners who tune in to Vertigan’s ACE Radio Network program have donated to the cause, which aims to provide specialist treatment to babies and children afflicted with the debilitating disease.

Vertigan said he was inspired to raise money for the cause after learning about the courageous story of cerebral palsy patient Tate Kemp, who made headlines three years ago after participating in a number of mini-marathons.

“I took part in the Koroit to Warrnambool half marathon on the weekend and I’ve been trying to fit in as much training as possible,” Vertigan said.

“As people who have taken part over the years know, you can’t go into it without getting a lot of training under your belt.

“CPEC is a really worthwhile cause and the generosity from people, mainly listeners (of his radio program) has been great.”

Vertigan has lost 30 kg during the past eight years after a commitment to getting fit and cutting back on his preferred diet of dim sims.

The marathon will be staged on October 9 and ends at the MCG.

Donations can be made at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/jo n_vertigan