Journalists and avid video gamers are set to hold a special marathon for charity.

Tamworth Herald reporters Sam Jones and Nick Reid will spend 24 hours playing a non-stop ‘gameathon’ to raise money for Macmillan Game Heroes, part of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The pair will be joined by colleague Greg Dando, who works in sales and online support, and will play games including including Call of Duty, FIFA 17, Tekken 7, Battlefield 1 and Gears of War.

The event will be live streamed, with the aim of raising at least £250 for the charity.

Tamworth Herald reporter Sam Jones, left, and colleague Greg Dando

Sam, who organised the marathon, said: “I’ve held fundraisers in the past for different charities and hospices after losing very close friends to cancer. It’s a horrible disease and funding care and support for those living with it, as well as research to one day cure it, is so important.

“After two charity football matches and a swimathon, I fancied a different challenge – so we decided to use one of our passions and hobbies as a great way to raise money – gaming.

“We’ve set an original target of £250, but we’d be over the moon if generous readers, friends, family and fellow gamers can dig deep into their pockets and help us smash that target.

“It’s likely that most people reading this will have been affected by cancer in some way, whether you have it or know someone who has it, so please help support the lovely people at Macmillan and the work that they do on a daily basis.”

The trio’s ‘gameathon’ will begin at 8pm on 17 August.

To sponsor them, click here.