AN inspiring young woman who turned her life around through running will start this year's New Forest Marathon.

Claudia Barnett, born and bred in the Forest, told her story in the BBC documentary ‘Mind Over Marathon’, in which 10 people living with mental health issues were challenged to train and compete in this year's London Marathon.

The runners took part for ‘Heads Together’, a campaign set up by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to tackle the stigma around mental health.

While Claudia was unable to run in London due to injury, she will be taking part in the New Forest Half-Marathon.

"I began running in 2014/15 when I did ‘couch to 5k’ when I was working and living in London," she said.

"I was struggling with my mental health, becoming unfit through a busy and excessive lifestyle and generally not taking care of myself.

"I began a relationship with exercise that year, and I am so grateful for how it's changed so much in my life since."

Claudia said that after the BBC documentary aired she was contacted by her 90-year-old grandfather who said it had helped him understand the importance of talking about mental health, "whereas before he was very much of the 'pull yourself together' generation".

"My personal project is trying to get myself up and running, literally, for the New Forest (half) Marathon as it's quite a special one for me," she said.

"I originally signed up a few years ago when I first took up running but never made it due to a severe depressive episode.

"I've come so far since then and I'm determined to make it this time. The New Forest is such a special place for me and I'd be so proud if I manage to make it."

The event takes place on Sunday, September 10, with full and half marathons, 10k, 5k, junior 1.5k runs and a woodland walk.

Andy Daish, of ORA Events, said "The work Claudia and the team have done to take down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental heath is fantastic, we hope we can use the marathon to continue to spread this important message in our local community."

As well as the running, the event will have a music stage with three bands throughout the day, the Hop On Bus Bar, refreshments and running gear traders, as well as activities for youngsters including a SNAG golf castle, climbing wall, army assault course and pony rides.

Visit newforestmarathon.co.uk