An ex-soldier who is spending 24 hours in stocks to raise money for children who have lost their parents in service is on track to set a new world record.

Nigel Potter will take on the outdoors feat, which was common in medieval, Renaissance and colonial American times as a form of punishment and public humiliation, to raise money for the Forces Children’s Trust, based in Shawley Way, Epsom Downs.

The trust helps children whose mother or father has died or sustained life-threatening injuries while serving as a member of the British Armed Forces.

It was started in 2004 by entertainer and broadcaster Denny Wise, 65, after a close friend’s son died while out in Basra.  Mr Wise received an award from David Beckham at The Sun’s Millie Awards in 2010 for his efforts and the public profile of the charity has continued to rise.

Mr Potter, from Birmingham, an officer for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who served in the army for 15 years, was inspired to support the charity after officer Sergeant Simon Valentine, 29, who he served with in the Fusiliers, was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Afghanistan.

He is also fundraising in the memories of James Fullarton, Simon Annis, Louis Carter, Joseph Etchells, Petero Suesue and Shaun Bush, who all also served in the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The 37-year-old said he is starting to feel nervous as the days approach as he is "doesn’t know how he will feel".

He said: "It’s going to be painful, but I’ve done lots for the charity in the past three years which have been physically difficult challenges and this time I wanted a mental challenge.

"It’s never been done before.  One of my friends whose friend was killed while serving said she wanted stocks for a charity event. 

"I couldn’t get hold of any so I made them and then thought ‘why not go into them for 24 hours’?

"I contacted the Guinness Book of World Records who said that, if I pull it off, I could set a world record."

Mr Wise said Mr Potter is one of many people who are dedicated to raising money for the trust, to support children who are "the forgotten victims of conflict".

He added: "It’s so worthwhile when you see a child smile.  Our slogan is ‘to help a child is an honour’.

"Someone once said that ‘no man stands so tall as he who stoops to help a child’ and it’s so true."

Mr Potter will be in the stocks from 12pm on Saturday, May 18, to 12pm on Sunday, May 19, at The Royal British Legion in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham. 

To make a donation visit www.justgiving/potterspotter or www.forceschildrenstrust.org