A WOMAN who rebuilt her life after surviving the Indian Ocean tsunami seven years ago is taking part in the London Marathon to thank those who rescued her.

Lou Harrand, now 38, was on honeymoon with her husband Greg on the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi when the devastating tsunami hit on Boxing Day, 2004.

The couple, who own the Hedley House Hotel in Bootham Terrace, ran away from the flood water coming from the beach and were trying to get up the stairs of a building when the wave hit and separated them.

Lou said she was convinced she was going to die when she was swept away but was eventually pulled to safety and later staggered to the fifth floor of a building after the water had receded.

Greg was dragged through two shops before grabbing a roof and clinging on until the water subsided. He then desperately searched for his wife, while helping to free those trapped in the wreckage.

The couple, who were both badly injured, were reunited after about three hours and later helped by the Red Cross – something for which Louise wants to show her appreciation by participating in the London Marathon.

Lou said: “The Red Cross gave us basic provisions and they helped us get on a flight home and gave us support when we got home. They gave us the comfort of knowing there was someone looking after you – you don’t know what is going on in a situation like that.

“It’s a personal challenge and a thank you for the help they gave us. A lot of people don’t realise the enormity of what they do. Until you have been there you don’t realise the scale of the problems they are faced with.”

The tsunami proved to be a turning point in the couple’s lives as they decided to postpone plans to travel and to prioritise having a family. They now have three children; Harrison, six, Raya, three, and Bo, one.

Lou said: “We had just got married and there were so many things we wanted to do. After the tsunami we thought, ‘that can wait, let’s have a family’. We can still travel the world, just when the children are a bit older.

“We are blessed to have three really healthy children. We have got three kids, two dogs and a cat. We are very lucky.”

Lou said that after having each of her children she had taken part in a challenge – first a 10km race, then a half-marathon and now a marathon. She hopes to raise £2,000 by taking part in April’s race and is currently training by running four times a week.

To sponsor Lou, visit virginmoneygiving.com/LouHarrand