AN ATHLETIC Stourport doctor is busy limbering up for a fund-raising run in the London Marathon.

Rachel Ward, who has only been running seriously for two years, is tackling the 26.2-mile course for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre - MRSC.

Money the 47-year-old collects will help the organisation to continue offering free support and advice to sufferers via a 24-hour telephone and internet service.

It is the first time Dr Ward, who trains at Kidderminster's Amaz-ing Feet Running Club, will compete in a full marathon after being successful over half-distance events and triathlons.

The mother-of-two has increased her training for the event in April and is following a strict regime that includes one 18-mile jog every week.

She said: "I must admit that, sometimes, I wonder what I am doing but I am sure it will be worth it.

"A friend ran for the same cause last year and suggested it to me and I thought 'why not?' His wife has multiple sclerosis so that is the reason for the link. Hopefully, it will help raise both money and awareness."

Dr Ward, who has practised at Stourport Health Centre for 15 years, is aiming to raise £1,500 for the cause and has set herself the challenging target of completing the course in under four hours.

She joked: "It always helps to run in groups but it is important to run at your own pace so I think I will just follow another runner.

"If I start to track Paula Radcliffe though I think I might be struggling to keep up!"

Helen Yates, managing executive for the MRSC, said: "We are particularly pleased that a doctor has decided to help our cause because they come into contact with people suffering from the illness all the time."

Anyone wishing to support Dr Ward's efforts can make a donation at the Worcester Street surgery or by logging on to www.justgiving.com/rachelmikeward

For more information about the services the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre provides, visit www.msrc.co.uk