Twelve colleagues from Motiva Group are taking part in this year’s Potters Arf road race.

Managing director Peter Davenport is among those taking part, and is going through the pain barrier to make sure he’s ready to toe the start line on Sunday, June 8.

The popular 47-year-old has shed more than two stones in weight and steered clear of alcohol for several weeks to prepare for a mighty fund-raising mission.

Now he’s looking forward to the challenge and keen to drum up support.

He said: “I’ve never taken part in any running event before and people who know me will understand why.

“But I’ve thrown myself into this and my preparation has gone well. It’s been a lot of hard work already, but I’ve lost a lot of weight and I have to say I’m feeling in great shape.”

Davenport will set off first as part of a four-man relay team which will complete the tough course around Stoke-on-Trent between them.

His 3.3-mile section includes a testing climb out of Hanley towards Longton, where his company has its headquarters.

Sales and marketing director Peter Wright is also among the Motiva relay runners alongside System and processes manager Kirstie Jones, Kelly Davies (customer services team leader), Alison Marsh (finance team), Antoni Giglia (M-Way finance manager), rental manager Paul Wainwright and rental assistant Lee Wright.

Business support manager Claire Salmon, customer service manager Peter Clarke, Lorraine Dawson and Sharon Buckley will each tackle the entire 13.1-mile course.

All 12 Motiva colleagues are raising money for Help for Heroes, the charity which supports soldiers, sailors and airmen wounded in the line of duty.

And Davenport is determined to pull out all the stops to help his team reach the finish line.

He added: “It’s bound to be tough for people who are not used to running, but we’re all ready for the challenge.

“Hopefully people will recognise the effort that both me and the rest of our team have put in and will support us with donations.

“Help for Heroes is a great cause and their work is something we all take for granted, so we’re proud to be doing our bit.”

Anyone wishing to support the Motiva team is urged to visit the company’s charity page at www.bmycharity.com/TeamMotiva