The work of a local charity inspired one Weymouth woman to undertake a new challenge.

Claire Randall, 60, will run the London Marathon in aid of the Joseph Weld Hospice.

Mrs Randall worked as a senior staff nurse at the hospice for 14 years.

She said: “I know how important all the fundraisers are. Without them there’s no way we could keep going.

“I decided it was time for me to give something back, and I also fancied a challenge.”

Mrs Randall’s daughter Sarah, 30, said running was something her mother had never done before.

She said: “We did the London MoonWalk last year, which is a marathon-distance power walk through the city at night.

“But running is new to her. I’m very proud.”

Mrs Randall has raised £1,500 for the charity so far.

She said: “I’ve been building up to running, doing swimming and power walking and then running.

“My son made me some maps with different distance routes so I could train.”

She added: “I’m really excited about it now. I hope to finish in five hours. It depends on the conditions on the day, but if I do that I’ll be really pleased.

“Joseph Weld provides such a vital service, not just towards the end of people’s lives but the care that the girls provide out in the community.”