A WOMAN from Dorset who had never run before is half way through an epic challenge that will see her take on seven marathons around the world within a year.

Laura Jones, 29, from Shaftesbury, set herself the challenge to raise £10,000 for The Jonny Wilkinson Foundation and The Scout Association.

She is taking on some of the world’s most iconic and toughest events and has already tackled The London Marathon, Everest Marathon, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest marathon in the world, before battling high winds during a race in Patagonia.

Laura has just completed the Australasia marathon which saw her running in temperatures of 30C.

She will next travel to North America before taking on the world’s coldest race at The Yukon Arctic before finishing with Mt Kilimanjaro. The Jonny Wilkinson Foundation, which supports mental health issues, has personal significance for Laura after losing her father when she was just 13.

The team at SturFit gym in Sturminster Newton, where Laura does much of her training, are

determined to help her raise as much money as possible for her challenge.

The gym will be closing its doors on December 2 to hold a 7-7 Challenge to help Laura raise money for her chosen charities. They are hoping to clock up 1700 miles in 12 hours.

Courtenay Hitchcock, trustee at the gym, said: “The day will kick off at 7am and we will continue through until 7pm; involving as many gym members, community clubs and members of the public as possible. The aim is to achieve 1,700 miles on a combination of cardio equipment.”

Laura said: “It’s going to be a fun challenge and a great day, so please come and clock up a few miles, raise some money, or just enjoy some of the cake and a sports massage.”

To donate visit icanrun7.com