A PENSNETT resident is getting set to run her first ever London marathon in aid of a children's cancer charity.

Helen Fisher, from Tiled House Lane, works for Virgin Trains in Birmingham and is getting set to run the Virgin London Marathon as part of the Virgin Unite team on April 17.

The 31 year-old who is busy training for the annual 26 mile race through the capital, is hoping to raise £2,000 for CLIC Sargent and has thrown herself into fundraising by holding cake sales, selling keyrings and bracelets and collecting loose change on the platforms of New Street station and London Euston.

Helen has already taken part in half marathons and a 20 mile run in preparation for the mammoth race, which she hopes to complete in four hours.

The Information Customer Relations officer, said: "I'm really nervous about it. Hopefully it will be good fun on the day and I get to go on the elite VIP start line along with the rest of the Virgin team and get to meet Richard Branson which is exciting."

To sponsor Helen, visit virginmoneygiving.com/HelenFisher