KATY Nickless, 34, a former pupil at Sheldon School, Chippenham, is running her first marathon on April 26, in aid of Brain Tumour Research.

She will be taking part in the 40th London marathon and said: “This will be an incredibly tough challenge for me.

“I am raising money for Brain Tumour Research after my friend Carly was diagnosed with a tumour in 2017 at the age of 30.

“I joined Avon Valley Runners in 2018, after completing a couple of Parkruns and I have now decided I want to challenge myself even more.

“So far I have raised over £1,600. This has been through events such as a children’s disco, which raised a massive £1,068 and sponsorship.

“I’m now organising a quiz and a Wear a Hat Day event where I work, CPI Anthony Rowe in Melksham.

“I now live in Frome, but my friends and family all live in Chippenham, this is where I have been organising events and fundraisers.

“ I am in the ballot for the New York marathon in November and cannot wait to find out if I have a place. My goal is to run the Abbots World Marathon Majors which would be London, New York, Chicago, Boston, Berlin and Tokyo.”

You can follow her progress on her Instagram account @katynickless: to sponsor her go to at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katy-nickless2