A March mum will be stepping out on a marathon challenge when she runs to raise money for children born without eyes or with deformed eyes.

Sarah Gove will be among thousands competing in the London Marathon this weekend after months of intense training ready for the big event.

Sarah said: “I started running two and a half years ago. I joined March Athletic Club and instantly felt welcomed and supported as a new runner by the members there. Everyone there is a real inspiration.

“I have honestly loved every bit of my training, I’ve run about 500 miles, driven my family around the bend with regular updates about my pace and dragged them along to races in the freezing cold and rubbish weather, early training sessions, developing a massive appetite but lots of amazing support from family friends and from people I don’t even know who are keen to support MACS, they are all truly special.”

Sarah is raising funds for MACS, a UK charity that helps support families with babies born without eyes or with deformed eyes.

She said: “My reason for running my first marathon for MACS is my dad is blind and we are lucky enough to have a healthy son so I was keen to do my bit and help.”

MACS help around 100 families a year from information and support groups to life chances for older children such as adapted mobile phones and confidence building.

Sarah said: “MACS have been around for 20 years, they are such a small charity making a significant difference to families facing such challenges. We all take our eye sight for granted, it’s going to be incredible to meet some of the families after the race.

“I’m feeling excited about taking part, it’s quite overwhelming when you see images of the marathon on TV but knowing that children and young people with severe eye deficiencies will benefit spurs me on,” she said.

To support her visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?pageUrl=2&userUrl=SarahGove&d-49489-p=2