A WORCESTERSHIRE woman is preparing to lead a team of youngsters in a fund-raising race.

Lara Holland, aged 23, of Colwall, near Malvern, is captaining Cerebral Connections, a group of seven determined young people who have all received treatment at the neurosurgical units of Birmingham Children's Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Miss Holland is hoping to raise money for neurological research by taking part in the Great Malvern Triple Run at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Sunday, July 1.

She will wheel herself around the chicken run course, which is designed so that disabled and able bodied people can race side by side.

Cerebral Connections were formed three months ago by the youngsters, who are determined to raise funds and educate people about their neurological conditions. Anyone who wants to sponsor the group should call David Shepherd at Birmingham Children's Hospital on 0121 3338510 or e-mail david.sheperd@bch.

nhs.uk The deadline to enter the Great Malvern Triple Run is Saturday. For an entry form or to find out more call 01386 554848 or visit www.malvernrun.org.uk