A FERNDOWN woman is taking on the challenge of the London Marathon, for the third time, to raise funds for a national charity that helps people with long-term health conditions.

Hanna Thorpe is competing in the 2019 London Marathon on April 28 to raise money and awareness for UK Charity Astriid – the day after celebrating her 37th birthday.

Astriid is a free online job matchmaking service that connects talented people living with any long-term illness with businesses who need skilled volunteers or staff. Hanna, who lives in Ferndown, has supported Astriid since her Godfather, Ken Morrison, has been heavily involved in the charity from its inception.

Hanna, who is over half way of reaching her fundraising target of £600, said: “I want to use the opportunity to raise awareness for Astriid which celebrated its first birthday in November 2018, a short time after the sad loss of its founder, David Shutts.

“I had followed David’s health journey through my Godfather and was sad to hear of his later passing. His grit and determination to make the charity a success was inspirational, and I wanted to do something to support that spirit.”

A keen runner, Hanna participated in the 2017 London Marathon on behalf of St John’s Ambulance and in 2018 ran the race as Wonder Woman in the Good For Age category.

Steve Shutts, brother of David Shutts and Chairman at Astriid said: “As a charity, Astriid relies on the support of our team as essential to giving people living with long term illnesses the opportunity to find meaningful work. It’s wonderful to hear that Astriid story as touched Hanna and we are hugely grateful for her support.”

To donate to Hanna’s efforts, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/hanna-thorpe.