A STUDENT will tackle the Paris marathon tomorrow (Sunday) to help raise money for a nursery school in Africa.

Jenni Dray, from Arlesey, hopes to raise �1,000 to help support and maintain The Roots Nursery School in The Gambia, as part of a charity project set up by Hitchin resident Mark Mardlin.

The 25-year-old, who is studying at the University of Hertfordshire, has been training for the 26.2 mile run in France’s capital since October and has never completed the distance before.

She said: “It was alright up until 13 miles but everyone has their limit and that must be mine. Twenty miles was horrendous! I know I’ll get there somehow though.

“It’s a big thing for me so I wanted it to be a big thing for the charity too. I think because Roots is a smaller charity the money that I can raise will make a big difference.”

Jenni, who has not had any alcohol for the last two months, added: “I’m looking forward to my champagne - that’s all that’s getting me through it!”

For more information about the charity visit www.rootsnurseryschool.org