ST BRIAVELS teacher Becky Harris is putting aside a dislike of running to join in the Forest of Dean Half Marathon to raise funds for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

She said: "A few of my colleagues decided we would do this for our own personal charities as well as for the school.

"Everyone who knows me knows that I would much rather swim or not do this at all but this is a cause which means a lot to me. CLDF provided a lot of support to my family when my little cousin Sophie was born with a rare liver disease and needed a life saving transplant when she was just a year old.

"She is now a beautiful and healthy four year old and this is my way of saying thanks.

"As I've never been a runner I must admit I found the training hard to begin with. I have, however, had amazing support from friends and family. My best friend Kurt Pearce has been a true inspiration and has given up a lot of time to take me on long runs.

"I've gone from not being able to run for two minutes up to 13 miles so I suspect I am secretly beginning to enjoy it. I'm hoping to complete the course in two hours 30 minutes but I know the Forest half is very hilly so if I can just get around I'll be very happy!"

Catherine Arkley, Chief Executive of CLDF, said: "We are the UK's leading charity dedicated to fighting all forms of liver disease in children. We do this by supporting those families affected, providing an information hub for families and health professionals and helping to fund vital research. To do this we rely on community fundraising for 75 percent of our income so we are delighted that Becky has chosen to do this for us. We really appreciate the effort she is putting in and hope she really enjoys the day."

For more information on CLDF visit childliver disease.org