A RUNNER came up with a unique way to milk support for her marathon attempt. Jo Laing, 38, of Milestone Road, Knebworth, has signed up to run the London Marathon in aid of mental health charity Mind and needs to raise £1,600. In order to help her reach he

A RUNNER came up with a unique way to milk support for her marathon attempt.

Jo Laing, 38, of Milestone Road, Knebworth, has signed up to run the London Marathon in aid of mental health charity Mind and needs to raise £1,600.

In order to help her reach her target Jo decided to dress up as a pantomime cow and go out and about collecting cash.

The cow's first stop last weekend was Knebworth Primary School where Jo's two children, Edmund, nine, and Frances, six, are pupils.

Jo was waiting in costume, along with her friend Christine Burke, in the playground when school finished for the day.

Thanks to the generosity of pupils and parents, she was able to raise £20 in 10 minutes.

She said: "The pupils were completely astounded, they weren't expecting to find a cow in the playground when they come out after school."

The cow also made appearances in Hitchin, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City over the weekend, helping Jo to raise £100.

Jo was inspired to raise money for Mind after needing to make use of some of the services the charity offers.

"I myself have been suffering from severe depression for a number of years and I find the charity very helpful," she said.

Having only ever run a half marathon before, she is now training hard for the big day in April.

She said: "It's going fine, I'm running about 70 or 80 miles a week so it's coming on well."

If you would like to sponsor Jo, visit www.justgiving.com/ JoLaing