A HEREFORD woman set to run her first marathon for a county hospice has been boosted by the full backing of her employer.

Ellie Jude, a senior estimator at Swainshill-based Oakwrights, will run the London Marathon in April for St Michael's Hospice.

The 34-year-old has set her own challenge of finishing under the five-hour mark.

She said: "I like to run but I wouldn’t say I was a runner, a few miles and I am happy. However when the opportunity came up to support St Michael's Hospice I was a definite yes, a worthy cause and a new experience – what’s not to like.

"All with the added bonus of having Oakwrights behind me in raising sponsorship."

In order to help Ellie raise the £2,000 minimum to run the marathon, Oakwrights is offering up several raffle prizes – the main one being a weekend stay in the company's show home in Kenchester.

Bill Keir, operations director, said: “The minimum we need to raise for St Michael’s for Ellie to take part is £2,000. PIP Printers are very kindly supporting us by supplying the raffle tickets and have printed enough for

us to raise £5,000 – so that is what we are aiming for. If we can raise more – all the better.”

Raffle Tickets are available to purchase in person at the Oakwrights headquarters or over the phone at a cost £5.

To buy them over the phone call Abby Barrington on 01432361966 or Michael Connolly on 01432361969.