A WOMAN from Christchurch serving in the RAF is preparing to run the London Marathon next month.

Maisie Craven-Smith, 20, will take on the 26.22 mile course on April 23, cheered on by family and friends.

Masie will be running in aid of Armed Forces charity SSAFA.

She said: “I love running, and come from a family of runners. I joined the RAF because I could combine my two passions, languages and fitness. There aren’t many jobs where you can do that.

"I’m raising money for SSAFA because they look after service people. It’s good to think that they will be there for me and my colleagues in the future if we need them.”

To raise money ahead of the marathon, Masie has launched a fundraiser, and has already gathered more than £1,700 in donations.

She said: “I’m confident with my training, now I just need to raise enough money to be allowed to run."

To donate to Masie’s fundraiser visit https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/maisiecravensmith-londonmarathon