A VALUED member of staff from Burgate School and Sixth Form Centre in Fordingbridge will be one of tens of thousands of runners taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday, April 13.

PA Sally Hodges will be running her first marathon to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Association, a charity that supports people with spinal cord injuries and their families.

Mrs Hodges' husband Steve broke his back in a motorbike accident 16 years ago and is now a peer support officer for the charity - supporting newly injured people and their loved ones.

Mrs Hodges said: “This has to be the most stupid and difficult challenge I've signed up for yet, so I thought I should raise some money for a brilliant charity.

“Seven years ago, I met and fell in love with the most amazing man, Steve, who just happens to be in a wheelchair. His attitude to life and determined approach is truly inspirational to me - giving in is simply not an option.

“Earlier this year Steve started to work for the Spinal Injuries Association as a peer support officer, providing support to newly injured people and their families.

“Each of the team has had their fair share of dark, bleak and extremely difficult times, but are using their life experiences to help others through one of the most traumatic and life-changing events they could ever have to face.”

Mrs Hodges had been running short distances to lose weight until the birth of her second child, Caitlin, when she began to pick up the pace and run longer distances.

She said: “I have been trying to run three times a week along with circuit classes when I can. It's getting tricky to train with the weather, which has been disgusting, and two small children - but I can do 14 miles now, so I'm getting there.

“I'm excited but apprehensive about the task still ahead, but I figure that I'm healthy and able, so I should do it.”

To sponsor Mrs Hodges go to www.justgiving.com/sally-hodges2.