A DOCTOR is hoping to raise £25,000 to support the children's hospice where she has worked for the last eight years.

Emily Harrop, from Newbury, decided to run the London Marathon on April 22 for Helen & Douglas House after nearly a decade of caring for terminally ill children.

The hospice helps families to make the most of precious time with their loved ones and provides medical support to hundreds of children.

Dr Emily decided to take on her own half marathon to get in some extra practice after the Reading Half Marathon was snowed-off last month.

She said: "I find myself overwhelmed on a daily basis, by the courage and determination shown by the children and their families who are cared for by Helen and Douglas House, in overcoming physical and emotional challenges.

"Taking part in this marathon gives me a chance to undertake a small physical challenge of our own, for a great cause, which will also increase the profile of a great local charity."

Reading Chronicle:

As part of her training Emily - a consultant in paediatric care - regularly takes part in Newbury Park Run at Greenham Common, even on Christmas Day.

She has already gathered more than £4,500 for the hospice and will be taking part in the marathon along with thousands of other runners for a number of good causes.

"I am really excited to be running. This is a huge challenge for me, as the furthest official race that I have ever run to date is 15 miles.

"I have, as always, drawn inspiration from the children and young people that we look after at Helen & Douglas House, as I have struggled my way through my training over the last 11 months.

" I have run over 100 miles a month since December. March was the hardest month of training because of the freezing temperatures and the snow. My training has mostly been on Greenham Common and the children sometimes come along with me on their bicycles to help me train."

Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emily-harrop-vlm to donate to her online fundraising page.