ILMINSTER woman Hannah Dowling is stepping up the pace ahead of this year’s Virgin London Marathon on Sunday, April 25, as she aims to raise £1,600 for the National Autistic Society.

Hannah has a family member with autism so she knows from personal experience the everyday challenges the condition presents.

“This really is the challenge of a lifetime for me,” she said. “It’s something I have wanted to do for more years than I can remember but have never really had the courage.

But I now feel I want to give something back to a charity that has helped me and my family in many ways and what better way to do that than by raising money and raising awareness at the same time.

“Taking part in the London Marathon for the National Autistic Society is a huge personal goal and when my training is at its most gruelling, I am spurred on by the knowledge that my efforts are helping this very worthy cause.”

Hannah will join more than 35,000 entrants taking part in the world famous event running 26.2 miles from Greenwich through East London, past Canary Wharf and the Embankment, onto the finish line in St James’ Park.

To support Hannah in her efforts to raise funds for NAS, sponsor her now by following the link below.