RUNNER Alison Harvey has already raised more than £2,500 for her chosen charity as she embarks on her first ever London Marathon.

Miss Harvey, 24, whose parents Anne and Geoff Harvey own the Grafton Guest House in Sea Road, Felixstowe, has been training for the past few months ready for the big race in the capital on Sunday.

Miss Harvey, who works in London for agencies helping those involved with substance abuse and the homeless, and is also doing an internship with a church for a social work qualification, is raising money for the Children’s Society and has already passed her £2,000 target.

Mr Harvey said: “People have been incredibly generous and Alison has been thrilled with the support she has received.

“She is really looking forward to the marathon and her training has gone really well.”

Fundraising activities have included quiz nights and a stall in Great Eastern Square, Felixstowe, with draw prizes donated by local businesses, which raised £570 in a day.