A RUNNER is heading from York to London this weekend to take part in her first marathon, in a bid to help improve lives in Africa.

Corin Heney, 26,will run in the London Marathon to raise money for York-based human rights charity International Service, for which she works.

She said she had never run further than 5k before last summer but had now spent six months training for the26.2 mile race, including running along York’s Bar Walls.

“I applied after watching a friend run the London Marathon in 2016,” she said.

“It was such an amazing atmosphere and so many great causes being raised for, I wanted a piece of the action – whilst raising awareness and donations for International Service.”

She said she had taken part in a 90-minute ‘Insanity’ workout challenge, at Emperor’s Gym earlier this month.

“Insanity is a super-high intensity work out, so most classes last less than an hour,” she said.

“I thought since I was training for a marathon, I wouldn’t find it too hard: I was wrong! “But having so many people there supporting me, and supporting the work we do – that’s definitely a natural high.”

Corin, who has already beaten her £1,000 target, said the cause was close to her heart.

“It’s the work we do that’s been keeping me motivated – even when I was running along the banks of the Ouse in the middle of December.”she said.

International Service CEO, Jo Baker, said she was ‘incredibly proud’ that Corin would be representing the organisation at one of the world’s biggest marathons.

“Her determination and dedication throughout her training has been truly inspiring, and her fundraising will allow us to continue supporting the rights of some of the world’s most marginalised communities,” she said.

“International Service has supported women, children and young people, and people with disabilities to access their basic rights since 1953.

“For some, this is the right to an education; for others, it’s the right to earn a fair income. The charity works with local organisations to change lives in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Rwanda.”

To sponsor Corin, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CorinHeney