A mum-of-two who has decided “life is for living” has signed up to complete triathlons, obstacle courses, half-marathons and the London Marathon in a bid to raise money for charity Phab Kids.

Amanda Smith, who lives in Stevenage and until recently hadn’t ridden a bike for more than 20 years, completed the Herts Triathlon last month.

She and husband Anthony have entered a number of events over the next year to raise money for Phab Kids - a charity which creates opportunites for children, many with disabilites, to enjoy life.

Amanda, who opened her own pottery painting and craft studio Cre-Art-Ivity in Stotfold in January 2016, said: “I have decided life is for living and trying new things. I would rather give things a go than regret not trying. So, over the past few months, I, along with Anthony, have been taking part in a variety of sporting events.

“Phab Kids is a great charity. I have worked with people with a variety of disabilities for most of my adult life, when I had a career in teaching, and felt this cause supported that.”

As well as the Herts Triathlon, Amanda and Anthony also completed the Mudnificent 7 obstacle course racing event last month, and the Nuclear Blast - another obstacle course race - on Saturday.

Next on the sporting agenda are two half-marathons in October and November, and Amanda has also secured a charity place with Phab Kids for next year’s London Marathon.

She said: “The furthest I have run is 10 miles and about 10 weeks ago I badly sprained my ankle, so this has affected training quite a lot, but all is on the mend now, so I can’t wait to get going with the training plan again.”

Amanda has also been raising money by having an ex-demo sale at Cre-Art-Ivity, as well as a ‘name the bear’ competition.

Charity events coming up at the Regent Street studio include a quiz night on October 5, which is £10 per person for teams of six and includes kiln-baked jacket potatoes, and a pamper evening on October 20, involving various therapists.

To sponsor Amanda, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-smith95

For more about Cre-Art-Ivity, or if you are a business willing to donate a raffle prize, call 01462 835 672, email cre-art-ivity@outlook.co.uk or visit www.cre-art-ivity.co.uk