A COUNCIL worker from Rossendale is preparing to battle the extremes to aid families left facing the prospect of an uncertain winter living in temporary shelters.

Fifty-six year-old Adrian Smith will take on the Muskathlon in Lebanon next month to support Christian refugee families facing persecution in the Middle East.

The father-of-three, from Bacup, the principal planning officer for Rossendale Council, is looking to raise £10,000 before he undertakes his mercy mission, has been out to Iraq, Syria and the rest of the Middle East to witness their plight first-hand.

He is campaigning on behalf of Open Doors, a charity which provides emergency supplies for displaced Christian families, forced to live in temporary shelters, church halls and temporary buildings.

Adrian, who will be embarking on his first long-distance run since he tackled the Great North Run in his 20s, said: "I've seen these families suffering, as well as the huge difference people’s donations can make.

"We are blessed by accident of birth to live in the UK and I would like to contribute to making a small difference to their lives."

The charity has been working to provide vital aid for thousands of families left homeless by the advance of Islamic State.

Describing his ongoing training efforts, Adrian added: "Sometimes it’s really hard work, but quite often I remember those who are suffering or imprisoned for their belief and am grateful for the freedom I have."

Stuart Sugarman, Rossendale Council's chief executive, said: "We wish Adrian all the best as he raises money for an important cause – we are all getting behind him here. We have some big-hearted staff here at Rossendale who do a lot of charity work and work in their communities."

While he is in Lebanon he hopes to take up the opportunity to meet some of the families that have fled to Lebanon from Syria, and will be supported by the funds he raises.

So far he has raised more than £5,000 of his eventual target. His fundraising efforts can be supported by visiting his fundraising page online - www.justgiving.com/adriansmith60.