A Prison Offender Manager will be running two marathons this year thanks to the support of her colleagues and inmates at HMP/YOI Portland.

Rebecca Hughes, from Portland, is set to take on the Brighton Marathon on April 14 and London Marathon on April 28 to raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to run the London Marathon and I was fortunate enough to gain a Golden Bond place with the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. This is a local charity that’s very close to my heart having seen them care for some of my family members especially my mum as an inpatient.

“Every member of staff works so hard not only ensuring your loved one is cared for and looked after with dignity, but also taking time to check in on family members and offer unrivalled support. I have personally benefitted from the bereavement services through one to one counselling and group sessions

“Running a marathon is a challenge in itself so I’ve decided to make this even harder for myself by running two in two weeks.

“I’m a little nervous about the challenge but am looking forward to it. I’m upping the mileage each week and combining my training with pump classes which will help me with my endurance.

"We have had fund raising events in the establishment, including a raffle where the Governor, Steve Hodson, put a day of leave up for grabs and a cake sale."

As part of Rebecca's fundraising, one of her colleagues and an inmate are taking part in a 100 kilometre row each, which took place on Friday, February 22.

The pair trained for weeks in the prison's gym, clocking up between 70 and 80 kilometres on most days.

Sean Phelps, a Physical Education Instructor at the prison, said: "I love a challenge and love keeping fit. I’ve been doing it for 30 years now. I enjoy both the physical and mental challenges that things like throw up and you have to overcome them.

"My brother was a patient at The Weldmar Hospice before he passed away and spoke highly about how they cared for him. I wanted to give something back to them for looking after my brother."

James, an inmate and regular gym user at HMP/YOI Portland, said: "I wanted to raise money for charity and better myself. It’s better than sitting in your cell doing nothing.

"I’ve also done a 24 hour row but we had rest periods during that, for this one we haven’t. The training for this has also helped me feel so much better in my own head and helped with my A.D.H.D."

With other members of staff and inmates sponsoring the event, the pair raised £156, taking Rebecca's total to about £2,700.