A MOTHER whose life was transformed by pioneering spinal surgery will be striding out on the streets of London to raise funds for others with spinal conditions.

Holly Parkin, from Dorchester, is taking on the London Marathon on April 22 and has already raised over £2,000 for the Spinal Research charity.

She said: “I had spinal surgery about six years ago because I had a sporting accident about ten years ago and was just living on morphine and not able to do a great deal.

“I had this new amazing surgery and I was only about the second person to have it done so I feel I owe it to give something back.”

Holly, 33, says she is still not 100 per cent pain free but the fact she is hoping to take on the 26.2mile marathon route was testament to just how far she had come.

She said that, barring a knee injury that had hampered her recent training efforts, she was looking forward to the challenge and will be running in London with the support of her husband and two children.

Holly, who works as a foot health practitioner, said: “So many people have supported me in terms of sponsorship and fundraising events and I feel duty bound to go on and do it and as long as I can finish in one piece, I will be happy.”

Holly’s fundraising efforts, which have smashed her £1,700 target, were given a boost with a recent event at Dorchester’s TA Centre which included a performance by local tribute band the Stereoironics.

The night attracted 140 people – who also enjoyed a magician, raffle and the work of local caricaturist Bill Newton – and raised an impressive £1,300.

To sponsor Holly visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/HollyParkin • If you are running the London marathon we would love to hear from you.

Call the newsdesk on 01305 830999 or email us at newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk