A Norwich woman is taking on a half-marathon as a way of thanking a disability charity that has supported her niece.

Hannah Potter, 24, from Thorpe Marriott, will be running the Marriott's Way Half Marathon in aid of disability empowerment charity Norwich and Norfolk Scope Association (Nansa).

Ms Potter's two-year-old niece, Amalie, was born with cerebral palsy and has been attending Nansa's School for Parents Service for more than a year.

She said she wanted to repay the charity for the help they had offered her niece.

She said: 'I was keen to find a charity which has supported my family and Nansa has been there for Amalie.

'They have helped her immensely to develop skills to enable her to reach her full potential as she grows.

'Their staff have also discussed issues around sleep and given her individual plans to follow to help deal with sleep problems.'

Ms Potter said she had been training hard for the event and was committed to completing the race.

'I have been training for the half-marathon since April 2017 and am currently running around 10 miles. I started running with an informal beginners running club, and really appreciate the support and help they have given me,' she added.

'I am determined to finish the Marriott's Way Run and won't stop until I've done it.'

Amalie's mother, Laura, said Nansa's services have brought joy to her daughter's life.

She said: 'Amalie really enjoys coming to Nansa and gets excited when she sees her friends there that she has made. She especially enjoys using the sensory room.'

She said Nansa's services have not only benefitted Amalie.

She said: 'I get a lot of support from Nansa's sessions, in terms of physio for Amalie and learning about different techniques for play and interaction.

'When Amalie's grandmother brings her, she also finds it a real benefit from meeting other parents, as Nansa supports the whole family, not just the child.'

Ms Potter has set an initial fundraising target of £250 but is confident she can exceed this goal with support from friends, family and strangers.

To sponsor Ms Potter's run, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/h-potter1The race will take place on February 18.