AMBULANCE technician Laura Childs has two very good reasons to run the London Marathon – she wants to raise funds to help beat the threat of meningitis.

Laura, who lives at Mile End, is a member of the Coleford ambulance team. Twice she had to rush her 16 month-old son Leo into hospital for treatment after meningitis was suspected.

Thankfully on each occasion Leo made a fully recovery, but Laura says she is now determined to do her bit to help defeat the illness.

She wants to raise £2,750 for The Meningitis Research Foundation and intends to do it by completing the London Marathon.

"Laura, 30, says she has not done any running since school days but has done her best to train as frequently as possible between shifts and family commitments. "I've had lots of encouragement from family and friends as well as helpful advice from Forest of Dean Fitzone, so I'm as ready as I'll ever be," she said.

"However long it takes me I will do my very best to complete the course. It's certainly not an Olympic trial for me."

Her fund-raising target is expected to get a boost this Saturday evening at Coleford Bowls Club when supporters and friends hold a skittles and auction night.

"Local people and businesses have been really generous and there are some great gifts to bid for including tickets for a London show," said Laura.

"It's all for a great cause so I'm hoping lots of people will turn out to support me," she said.

The event kicks off at 7.30pm.

•Donations can also be made online at http://www.justgiving.com/laura">www.justgiving.com/laura childs30