A determined runner from Dorchester is gearing up for her next marathon challenge.

Gail Pearson will be just one of the thousands of runners taking part in this year's London Marathon.

Not a stranger to marathons, Gail is hoping to run the 26.2 mile course to raise vital funds for national charity, Leukaemia Care.

Gail has set an initial target of £250 but she has already raised more than £140.

The 31-year-old research officer said: “I am running in memory of my Granny, who sadly passed away in 2013.”

Gail is on a strict training schedule, as having done the Bournemouth Marathon and the Dorchester Marathon in 2014 and 2017, she knows what to expect.

She added: "Training is going to plan so far. I ran 20 miles recently which was my longest training run and am now tapering down until the marathon.”

Gail is keen to hit her target and plans on hosting a bake sale and a finish time sweepstake at her work on Friday, April 20.

Clare Brooks, who works with the marathon runners at Leukaemia Care, said: “Our runners make all the difference to people who need that bit extra support. I’ve followed all our runners, including Gail, from the point of sign up and I can’t wait for Gail to cross that finishing line.”

The 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 22. It was first held on 29 March 1981. Since this time the event has continued to grow in size, stature and popularity with more than 35,000 runners each year.

The course starts in the beautiful Greenwich Park and takes runners past London’s famous sights including Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Tower of London, Nelson’s Column, Millennium Wheel before finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.

If you would like to donate to Gail’s fundraising efforts, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GailPearson1