A MOTHER running the London Marathon for a children’s charity has been inspired after a training day with a double Olympic gold medallist.

Lisa Ford of Briadale Avenue in Dovercourt was invited to the sessions with legendary decathlete Daley Thompson in Battersea Park last month along with other competitors raising money for Barnados.

“It was brilliant to meet such a great athlete and he spent lots of time talking to us and giving us advice,” she said.

Mrs Ford, 31, chose Barnados because of the work they do in the local area which helped before and after her 1-year-old son Ben was born.

“I obviously wanted to choose something which was personal to me and they helped during pregnancy at the maternity unit in Harwich and also baby groups at the Windmill children’s centre.

“Although they are a national charity they also do lots of great work locally.”

Mrs Ford is hoping to raise £1,500 and to sponsor her for the race on April 13 go to virginmoneygiving.co.uk/lisaford.