A volunteer with Largs RNLI is swapping her yellow wellies for trainers as she takes on her 10th marathon to raise funds for the charity.

Claire McRae will take on the 26.2 mile London Marathon, her latest fundraising endeavour since she started running races for the RNLI in 2013.

Over the years Claire has raised thousands of pounds to support the life-saving work of the charity, and this year is no different.

As a volunteer at Largs RNLI, Claire has seen first-hand the vital work the charity does, and she is passionate about helping to save lives at sea.

That passion has propelled her to complete numerous races in countries around the world for the charity, and Claire admits competing in the London Marathon is always extra-special.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s London Marathon, it’s always an amazing experience, and knowing I am raising money for such a great cause makes it even more special.

“The RNLI is a charity that is very close to my heart and I’m proud to support its work through my running.”

Claire, who is the academic leader for computing and digital technologies at New College Lanarkshire, has been training hard for the marathon.

She has managed to squeeze in long hours of running between her full-time job and volunteer roles to prepare for the gruelling 26.2 mile race.

Claire believes raising money for the lifeboat charity is more important now than ever, with lives being saved every day thanks to its brave volunteers.

She explained: “Too many people are still drowning, and more than ever we need the RNLI’s help.

“As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe.

“RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline, and they’re the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland.

“The lifeguards keep watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK, and the RNLI safety teams and educators work tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place.”

As she counts down the final days before taking on the roads of London Claire is also encouraging others to get involved in fundraising for the charity.

She added: “This year the RNLI are asking supporters to raise money for RNLI lifesavers by completing a mile a day, any way you like, during the month of May.

“Fundraising is a fantastic way to make a difference, it’s a great feeling to know that you are helping others, and it’s also a lot of fun.”

To donate to Claire’s fundraising efforts for the challenge go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mcraerunning.