A Wisbech mother will be putting her best foot forward when she competes in the London Marathon.

As a footballer with her local ladies team, Carly Oakley is used to running up and down the pitch, but pounding through the streets of London will be a whole new experience.

Carly, who is the community champion at Morrisons in Wisbech, is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon on April 26 to raise money for the store’s national charity partner, Sue Ryder.

She said: “Completing the London Marathon is something I’ve always wanted to do and the time just feels right. My mum and uncle have always wanted to do it but neither have had the courage. I grew up listening to them say how much they wanted to and that really had an effect on me.

“Running was never my forte but I played a lot of sports when I was younger and still play for a local football team, so I’ve been training quite a bit. I run four times a week, cycle or swim once a week and play football twice a week.

“I can’t wait to see my little boy’s face when he sees me afterwards. But I’m not looking forward to waking up the next morning and not being able to walk!“

Although she has entered the ballot for the London Marathon for the last four years, Carly only started running seriously when she joined a local club last May and has since completed the Perkin’s Great Eastern Half Marathon and several smaller races.

Money raised will fund new community healthcare services, family support teams and an online community with online support, providing the best possible care to people at the end of their lives and support for their families.

Show your support by texting SMILE to 70123 to donate £3.