Mum’s marathon challenge

A MIDWIFE who juggles work with family life and a gruelling fitness programme is preparing for the Flora London marathon.

Kara Smith, 37, a mother of five who has been a part-time midwife at Lister Hospital for the past 13 years, is running the marathon in April for Childhood First - a charity which provides care, treatment and education of children and young people whose lives have been affected by neglect and abuse.

She said: "I wanted a real challenge to raise money and this charity is really motivating me to train hard. It's made easier knowing that the work the charity does is so vital and in the future I would like to do some voluntary work for them.

"In my job it's not often you deal with child protection issues directly but it's something I've found emotionally very difficult in the past so I want to do something positive."

In preparation for the gruelling course, Kara runs 10 miles every weekend and around five miles every other day during the week at 6am, before getting her children ready for school including her nine-year-old twin boys.

She said: "I never used to run until two years ago but now I have a treadmill which makes life easier so I have more flexibility when I run.

"I am not a natural born runner, but I enjoy it and have now built up the stamina to do long distance runs.

"My older children sometimes come with me on their bikes, when I run, to keep me company. I also go to the gym with friends who help me with my other part of my training. My husband and family are 100 per cent supportive in my training and are also helping me to raise money."

Kara, who was a surrogate mum for a friend five years ago, added: "I'm always up for a challenge and I won't commit to something unless I know I can see it through."

So far Kara has raised £300 but she hopes to raise an additional £1,200.

To sponsor Kara visit www.bmycharity.com/KaraSmith