A British Airways pilot is set to trade his cockpit for running shoes as he takes on the Oxford Half Marathon.

James White, 41, will be trading his pilot uniform for running gear to run the 13.1-mile race on October 13 to raise money for The Cinnamon Trust.

The charity is close to Mr White's heart as he has volunteered with them for several years.

The Cinnamon Trust helps older people and the terminally ill care for their pets.

Mr White said: "As a previous pet owner myself, I’ve seen how much comfort animals can bring, especially during difficult times.

"Volunteering with The Cinnamon Trust has been incredibly rewarding.

"I’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes when someone knows their pet will be cared for, no matter what."

The idea to run the half marathon came about after a night out with his friend Ali.

Mr White said: "We had a few drinks, and the idea of running a half marathon sounded a lot easier at the time.

"The next morning, we woke up to an email saying, ‘Congratulations, you’re in!’ and there was no turning back."

He is hoping to raise awareness and funds for The Cinnamon Trust through his run.

He said: "Running the Oxford Half Marathon is a challenge we're training for, but it’s nothing compared to the daily struggles many face.

"The Cinnamon Trust provides peace of mind to so many owners who would otherwise be separated from their pets or have no one close to care for them in case anything happens to the owner, and that’s what keeps me going."

The Cinnamon Trust is the only national charity that helps older people and the terminally ill care for their pets.

With the help of thousands of volunteers, they provide vital practical support such as dog walking and picking up pet food.

They also offer short-term fostering during hospital stays and forever fostering for pets whose owners make prior arrangements with the organisation.

The charity prides itself on never relying on kennels and catteries, always providing a home-from-home environment for the pets in its care.

In 2023, The Cinnamon Trust helped 155,000 owners and 156,000 companions across the UK, giving owners the peace of mind to fully enjoy their companions whilst addressing the drawbacks.

The charity has a number of celebrity patrons including Sir Paul McCartney and Dame Virginia McKenna.

To support Mr White's initiative and read more about their journey, visit The Cinnamon Trust's website.