DAD Roger Perrie is set to take part in a midnight marathon dressed completely in drag and minus his beloved beard.

Roger, 61, of Rodbourne will take part in the 15th annual MoonWalk event, which happens in the middle of the night in London’s Hyde Park.

He said: “I originally agreed to walk the race to keep my step-daughter company who is also taking part.

“The race organisers told me that their trademark is that all the runners wear a pink bra. So I thought why not go all the way and do the race in drag.

“Skywalker’s of Faringdon Road have given me a wig for the race. I’ve asked for a blonde one so my make up can be that bit more extravagant.

“I’ll have to shave my beard, too. My colleagues have never seen me without a beard – I’m sure I’ll be getting some funny looks.”

MoonWalk is the flagship event for the Walk the Walk charity, which aims to raise money in the fight against breast cancer.

Since 1998, more than 200,000 men and women have walked the 26.2 miles in the pitch black and raised in excess of £75m.

Nina Barough, organiser and founder of Walk the Walk Worldwide, said: “The MoonWalk is about women and men taking charge of their lives by not only getting fitter themselves, but by uniting in the common bond of making a difference to vital breast cancer causes.”

With one in eight women expected to experience some form of breast cancer and rare instances of men suffering the disease, Walk the Walk is a great way to bring vital awareness to people from all areas of life.

Roger, who is originally from Dundee, has already started getting prepared for the big walk on May 12.

He said: “I am reasonably fit. Just the other day I walked 12 miles, took a break and then walked another 12 miles. I’m not worried about blisters though; I’ve got a pair of comfy, old trainers that I’ll be wearing.”

Roger is hoping to raise at least £500 for the charity, a target he looks certain to smash with the help of his employers, DHL, who have promised to double his final total.

With all things running smoothly as the race approaches, he is only worrying about one thing – what to fill his new bra with.

“I don’t have boobs,” said Roger. “I’ll be filling my bra with two round loud-speakers that will be attached to my iPod.

“I’ve got Cyndi Lauper and Nancy Sinatra on my iPod. I think I’ll be playing some real women’s anthems.”

To sponsor Roger, log onto www.walkthewalkfundraising.

org/roger_perrie.