A NEWPORT factory manager will be joining cricket-hero Ian Botham in his marathon trek through South Wales later this year.

Stewart Dillon, who works at Bisley, was the first to pledge £1,000 to the Noah's Ark Appeal and land himself a place on the walk.

The nine day, 210-mile hike takes place in October. The charity event will raise money in aid of the first children's hospital in Wales.

A nervous Stewart, 41, has yet to start his training because his arm is in plaster. He said: "I broke my wrist playing football with my son in Lanzarote - it was on the second day as well!"

That was five weeks ago and Stewart is due to have the cast removed in the next two weeks.

After that he'll be in talks with advisers from Newport rugby club on how to manage his diet and training to prepare for the event.

"The pressure is on," Stewart joked, "I'm going to start off walking four miles after work every night and build up from there."

Stewart, who lives in Cardiff, is hoping to increase his mileage to 20 miles before the big day with Ian Botham.

Beefy has chosen to trek through the Valleys and raise more than £250,000. Stewart will join Ian and his 30-strong team on the final day of the trek as they cross the finish line in Newport.

Stewart got roped into the event after a group of women he worked with said he should take part.

He said: "They probably chose me because I'm the most unhealthiest person here." The company is now dreaming up money-making ways of raising the £1,000 cash. Stewart said: "Some of the women in the canteen are organising raffles and there are penny towers in reception where visitors can drop their coins into."

Stewart is also relying on the generosity of other local businesses to lend their support to the cause.

Looking ahead to the walk, Stewart said: "I'm doing this because it's a fantastic cause and I want to help raise as much money as we can for the children's hospital."