IT is best foot forward for a Bournemouth student as she takes on her first half marathon in aid of charity.

Shannon McDavitt, who is in her third year of a Multimedia Journalism course at Bournemouth University, wanted to set herself a new challenge after completing the Bournemouth 10k Race for Life last year.

The 21-year-old, who hails from North Devon, will be running the half marathon as part of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival on Sunday, October 6 in aid of children's hospice Julia's House.

She said: "My goal is to raise at least £300, if not more as it is a charity I really believe goes above and beyond for families in the area. They not only help the children who are ill but also their parents and siblings - some of the stories are inspirational.

"Not many people realise they don’t just look after children who are ill but they support families fully, which includes siblings that may feel left out or not get as much “attention”.

Shannon is currently training three or four days a week, trying to keep up to between 10 and 20 miles a week.

She added: "A small donation won’t put anybody out of the way, but all the small donations put together can change somebodies way of life."

To support Shannon's cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/shannonmcdavitt