A DIABETIC mother-of-two is getting her running shoes out to try to raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

Despite having next to no athletic experience, Catherine Bamford has signed up to run the second largest marathon in the world, the Flora London Marathon.

Mrs Bamford, of Haxby, York, has been training hard since September to prepare for the 26-mile event.

But she has had more than a few blisters and aching legs to contend with during training, as she suffers from insulin dependant diabetes which requires careful monitoring.

Exercise lowers blood sugar, meaning the 35-year-old has to ensure she always has an energy drink with her during work outs.

Despite this, she has been following the strict training guide supplied by the event's organisers, and hopes the gruelling schedule and her hard work will inspire people to sponsor her so that she can reach her target of £1,500.

She said: "I had always wanted to do something like this and often thought about running the marathon, but every year I would put it off. This time I just decided to go for it. Maybe it is part of a mid-life crisis!"

Mrs Bamford attends the gym four times a week and spends hours on the treadmill, but in a few weeks she will be hitting the roads as she takes part in a half marathon in Blackpool as part of her training.

Catherine - and the London Marathon itself - is supporting WellChild, a charity dedicated to supporting sick children. The organisation works to find ways to prevent and cure childhood disease and illness and to improve the treatment and care of sick children.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Catherine can do so by phoning 01242 530007 or visiting www.justgiving.com/catherinebamford. There is also a link from there to her training diary so people can keep updated on her progress.

Every year more than 30,000 runners attempt the marathon. This year's event takes place on April 22.