A POLICE officer is stepping up to take on her first ever marathon for charity.

Gillian Campbell, who lives in West Kilbride, is hoping to raise over £2,000 for Marie Curie as she heads to London next month to take on the famous 26-mile event on April 23.

The policewoman will be joined by husband Neil, who is running his first marathon in over three decades.

Gillian explained: “I took up running about three years ago, and have completed a half distance, which raised thousands of pounds for prostate cancer.

“My husband has decided to join me in London, although his last marathon was as an 18-year-old!

“Marie Curie is a brilliant charity that helps so many people, and it seemed like a good cause to raise funds for.

“I have been training for 16-weeks, which has basically meant me doing one long run a week and gradually building up the mileage.

“It has been nice to have my husband training with me as some of the runs can last several hours - it’s good to have some company.”

Gillian also hosted a coffee morning in the village hall on Saturday help raise money for the charity.

She said: “We thought it would help us towards the £2,000 target.

“We held a car wash and bake sale a few weeks ago which was a great success, with my whole family chipping in.

“West Coast Motors kindly donated some supplies, and we raised £390, which was a great start to get us going.

“Our coffee morning was a great event and local businesses have been so kind in helping out and giving us raffle prizes.

“We had some great canvases from some local artists, with the Fish Works in Largs also providing a voucher to give away.

“The support from the West Kilbride community has blown me away and that will really spur me on as I prepare for the race itself."