A WOMAN more at home in water than on the track is preparing to run her first marathon.

Julie Hall, aged 35, of Begonia Close, Worcester, is a baby swimming teacher but she is spending more time pounding the streets of Worcester than splashing around in her local pool.

As part of her training for the Flora London Marathon, on Sunday, April 23, the mum of two runs all over Worcester, through St John's, Dines Green, London Road and the city centre.

She said: "I am following the London Marathon beginners guide and taking it gradually. I like running through town on a Sunday, when it's quiet."

Mrs Hall is trying to raise £1,500 for WellChild, a charity that supports children with illnesses from cancer to meningitis, heart disease to premature birth.

She said: "I want to raise money for them because I am a mum and I work with children every day.

"You never know what is round the corner for your children and the research WellChild do is so important. I want to raise their profile in this area."

To help her reach her fund-raising target she is holding a Frog Race at Norton Village hall on Saturday, March 25.

BUPA healthcare and Aston and Fincher, in Lowesmoor, have sponsored two of the teams. Mrs Hall, who always dreamt of completing a marathon, has previously run the Cancer Research UK Race for Life, taken part in the Santa Fun Run and regularly plays for Bretforton Hockey Club.

To contact or sponsor Julie Hall visit her website www.justgiving.com/juliehall.