AN energetic mum is donning her trainers and running the Flora London Marathon for a cause close to her heart.

Jo Hiles will pound the streets on Sunday, April 17 in aid of national deafblind charity Sense.

It is the second time the 51-year-old mum has run the marathon, with her inspiration coming from daughter Jess (pictured right with Jo), who is disabled and suffers from sight problems.

Jess is now 21 and has excelled her family's wildest dreams by attending college.

Jo said: "I've looked after my two children and run a charity for able and disabled youngsters.

"Running the marathon last year was the first thing I had done for myself in a long time.

"Last year, training and competing in the marathon kept me going through a bad patch in my life and I'm really glad to be able to take on the challenge again for 2005. I hope I can make a difference to Sense."

She wished to thank the Seven Stars pub at Headless Cross and the Park Gate Inn at Dodford for agreeing to sponsor her.

Anyone wishing to offer further sponsorship can call the Sense marathon line on 020 7272 7858.