A TAXI driver ditched his cab to embark on a 26-mile journey for charity.

Geoff Cainer finished the Manchester Marathon on Sunday in four hours and 45 minutes — 37 minutes faster than when he did the London Marathon last year.

The 69-year-old, of Marle Croft, Whitefield, took on the 26.2-mile course in aid of Project Smile, a respite service for children with special needs.

The scheme is run by The Fed which is based at Heathlands Village care home in Prestwich and Mr Cainer's efforts raised £268.

He was greeted at the finish line by grandson Taylor Bernitz, aged three, and granddaughter Sidney Bernitz, aged six.

Afterwards, Mr Cainer said: "This was my ninth full marathon, and seventh on behalf of The Fed's children's project and my 20th race for them in total.

"Marathons don't get any easier, but I was very pleased with my finishing time."

Project Smile is a family affair for Mr Cainer.

He explained "My wife, Carol, worked as a family support worker with Project Smile for years and my daughters volunteered with the organisation.

"I felt I just had to do something also to help the kids and their families.

"They help children with ADHD, developmental delay and physical disabilities who need a lot of care and attention and without Project Smile they would miss out so much.

"They can't do the things we take for granted with other children — like going to camp, being on a football team or even going round to a friends' house to play and their parents get very little respite.

"Project Smile gives them so much — stimulation, a social life, fun and care all rolled into one and the families get a break. It's just brilliant."

To make a donation: visit thefed.org.uk/geoff2015