A self-confessed “determined plodder” will be taking on a half marathon to raise money for an adult’s disabilities charity.

Catherine Bolado, from Weymouth, will be lacing up her trainers on Sunday, October 8 and running the Bournemouth Half Marathon in support of the Dorset Friendship Club.

Miss Bolado, director of digital media company Jurassic Creative, admitted she is “pretty nervous” about the event, with the longest she has run in a race before being the 5k Race for Life.

She said: “I’m no natural runner, but I’m determined to support this wonderful club.”

The group, which is run by charity People First Dorset, is led by, and to support, adults with learning disabilities.

Miss Bolado said she would love to raise £260 – or just £20 a mile, to help support the club.

She said: “In my former career as a journalist, I had the pleasure of working with People First Dorset and the Dorset Friendship Club on a number of occasions.

“This led to helping set up what is believed to be, the first newspaper column in the UK written by people with learning disabilities, the weekly Our View Column in the Dorset Echo.

“It’s always funny and insightful. The Dorset Friendship Club is just that – a club for people with learning disabilities to meet and make friends.”

The club organises a range of events including discos, cinema trips, meals out and trips to comedy shows.

Miss Bolado said: “It’s truly a wonderful cause - it’s life-changing, helps overcome social isolation and gives people a place to speak up and lead change.

“I’m not a natural runner, more of a determined plodder really, but I realised that if I was going to ask people to donate then I was going to have to put in some seriously hard work.

“It’s been months of training in all weathers, I’m feeling pretty nervous but I’m fairly confident that I can make it now. Even if I’m the last over the line, I’ll be delighted to just finish. Most importantly it’s for a great cause.”

To donate visit: www.localgiving.org/fundraising/runningfordfchalfmarathon

Or, to learn more about Dorset Friendship Club visit: peoplefirstdorset.org.uk, or check out the Our View column in your Dorset Echo every Tuesday.