A TYNEDALE mum-of-four is set to run the London Marathon on Sunday.

Naomi Hunter, who lives in Slaley, is raising money for Action Medical Research, a charity that focuses on funding research to prevent and treat disease and disability in babies and children.

Although she has completed the Great North Run a few times, it will be the 42-year-old's first time taking on a marathon.

Naomi had been due to run the Manchester Marathon earlier this year, but after she caught Covid-19 and had to defer her entry, she signed up for the London Marathon.

"I have always thought it would be a massive challenge and a huge achievement to run the London Marathon," said Naomi.

She said she decided to raise money for Action Medical Research as it is an "amazing" charity.

One of the many things that they are researching is Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), she said, something which her friend's daughter suffered from after having Covid-19.

"It was an extremely worrying time for them," said Naomi. "Thankfully, she is now well.

"Hopefully the research that Action Medical is carrying out into this new condition will mean that children will receive the treatment they need to get better and lives can be saved."

So far, she has raised more than £1,950.

Slaley WI helped bake cakes for a sale held in Slaley a couple of weeks ago to help raise money for the charity, and local businesses have offered various prizes for a raffle which will be drawn the weekend after the marathon.

Prizes include a two-course lunch for two people at The Beaumont and a three-course meal at Vercelli.

"I have been overwhelmed with the support and encouragement I have received from local people and local businesses," said Naomi. "This means as much, if not more, to me than the medal I hope to take home on Sunday."

To donate via Naomi's JustGiving page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NaomiHunter7