A DEDICATED runner is taking on the challenge of the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise funds for the RNLI in Burnham-on-Sea.

Daisy Goldsmith, 20, will be running the famous 26 mile race on April 24 for the life-saving charity.

She recently completed the Bath Half Marathon in a time of one hour and 49 minutes and says the RNLI is a charity 'close to her heart.'

"I'm running the London Marathon to raise money for the RNLI as it's a charity that means a lot to me and is close to my heart," she said.

"I'm always in the sea as I'm a local surfer and spend lots of time along the stretch of coastline here.

"My grandparents have a connection to the RNLI as well as my grandfather was the lighthouse keeper.

"It's a great local charity."

Daisy has been training hard, focusing on routes around Somerset.

"I regularly train and run down the canal from Bridgwater to Taunton," she added.

"I think I am just about ready for London but I'm definitely looking forward to the bath I'll have when I get home."

To sponsor Daisy and donate to the RNLI, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DaisyGoldsmith