Holly Smith, of Preston Road, Standish, will lace up her training shoes for both the Great Manchester Run and the Great North Run this year, and hopes for a trio of successes if awarded a place in next year's London Marathon

Marathon places are notoriously difficult to secure so Holly, 22, who works full time as a fund-raiser for Marie Curie, has already applied to compete in next year's race, places for which have been released this week.

Holly said: "I joined the charity last year and as part of the job I have met a lot of determined people who are taking on these amazing challenges and I felt like they were putting me to shame so I decided to take these runs on.

"The London Marathon has something for everyone whether it's a goal for serious runners or a life challenge for a fun runner.

"I used to train but I got out of the habit so this will be a great incentive as well as a fantastic challenge."

With the Great Manchester Run coming up in May and the tough half-marathon the Great North Run taking place in Newcastle this October, Holly should be well prepared by the time London comes around.

As an enthusiastic charity volunteer for some years, Holly chose to
take-up a career in charity work just last year and believes that her personal challenge will also be a great way of raising money for her employer.

Holly said: "I have always volunteered for different charities since I was at school and I just decided to go in to it as a career as it's something I have always been passionate about.

"To complete the challenge would be an amazing achievement, especially to finish such a special event as the London Marathon, and to be helping Marie Curie Nurses to give free care to terminally ill people in the area would be fantastic too."

Marie Curie Cancer Care have guaranteed London Marathon entry places available and provide full fund-raising support, a hospitality tent, training guide, newsletters and a running vest for all their runners.

For full details of how to register call Holly on 0161 255 2809 or 07798 638 127.