A CHARITY worker will be practising what she preaches when she takes on her first ever fitness challenge next month.

Kate Alden, from Wivenhoe, is taking part in this year’s Virgin London Marathon in aid of the charity she works for, Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

The 42-year-old has been volunteering and working for charities for the past 10 years but this is the first time she has been inspired to get involved with a fundraising challenge.

She said: “I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work that Ormiston does to support children who are going through a difficult time in their lives whether they have been affected by a relative’s imprisonment, are living in poverty or a member of the gypsy and traveller community.

“Not only does the charity support these young children when they need it the most, it works tirelessly to change the social perceptions of these issues and tries to eliminate the prejudices that children from these backgrounds may face. “

Miss Alden said she has been in London watching the marathon for the past four years and is excited to be taking part in it.

“I am nervous and excited, but very proud to be taking part on behalf of Ormiston,” she added.

“I have been training three or four times a week since October and I’m really surprised at how much my fitness is increasing.

“My best run so far has been 13 miles in two hours and 40 minutes which is amazing considering I hadn’t run since I was at school.”

She is hoping to cross the finish line on the day in six hours.

Miss Alden, who is the Suffolk community fundraiser for the charity, is part of Ormiston’s team of seven runners and has to raise at least £1,500.

To help meet her target she has organised a tombola outside Asda in Colchester on April 4 with more than 200 prizes up for grabs and a quiz night at The Hospital Arms pub in Crouch Street, Colchester, on April 8 .

Visit www.justgiving.com/katealden to sponsor her.