A former smoker is hoping that having kicked the habit she can stay the course of the London Marathon.
Mel Peirce, 37, of Aylesbury is running in aid of Lymphoma Association, which is based in Aylesbury town centre.
She said: “Taking part in the London Marathon has always been a dream for me. I smoked for 22 years but gave up on New Year’s Eve so that has really helped me.”
“I applied directly but didn’t get a place, but was lucky enough to get a place through Bearbrook Running Club’s ballot.
“I chose to support the Lymphoma Association as they are a local charity.
“Although lymphoma is the UK’s fifth most common cancer, many people haven’t even heard of it so hopefully I will be helping them to raise awareness of the disease.
“They also do great things to support people affected by lymphoma such as families and carers, as well as patients,
Mel is hoping to raise £500 for the charity and is working hard towards it.
She said: “I’m a member of Bearbrook Running Club so I train regularly.”