A mum-of-three from Harleston is launching a fundraising drive ahead of her debut London Marathon next year.

Tanya Holloway, of Weavers Croft, will be braving the 26-miles in April in aid of Parkinson's UK, a cause which has become close to her heart since her dad Terry Green was diagnosed with the disease eight years ago.

The 35-year-old, a receptionist at the town's Archbishop Sancroft High School, said: 'At the moment my dad is doing well - he is still at work and although he gets the shakes sometimes he is not letting it change his life.

'We are very lucky, but we are aware that there will probably be a time where we become more dependent on the support of the charity.'

Although she has crossed the finishing line in seven half-marathons, Mrs Holloway said she has never ventured past the 13-mile mark.

'I have been running for about two or three years now,' she said, 'but I'm by no means a brilliant runner or really quick, I just like to keep active.

'I've applied to do the full marathon twice before, so it's really exciting to be doing it.'

From now until April she will train four times a week, with Bungay Black Dog Running Club captain Tom Pullinger drawing up a programme.

With £2,000 of charity cash to secure, Mrs Holloway, who faced charity a skydive with her dad in 2013, will also be holding a series of fundraising events.

She has already raised more than £500 with a bake sale, and hopes to add to the total with a children's party at The Apollo on Saturday, January 30.

The event, which is hosted by FunForce, will run from 2pm to 4.30pm.

All ages are welcome, and entry is £4 per child in advance and £4.50 on the door.

A month later, she will host a clairvoyant evening with Fiona Nichols at the venue on Thursday February 18.

Doors open at 7pm, with tickets priced at £7 in advance and £8 on the door.

To book in advance or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Tanya-Holloway3

Do you know someone who is fundraising in Harleston? Let us know by eamiling dma.news@archant.co.uk