A Norwich mother is set to tackle her first half marathon this weekend after committing to boost her fitness as part of Pledge 2012.

The Active Norfolk initiative, run in association with Norfolk County Council and NHS Norfolk and supported by the Eastern Daily Press and BBC Radio Norfolk, calls on people to make a personal commitment which can be anything from running 5km to doing more activities with the family.

One woman who has already stepped up to the challenge is Bridget Reasbeck from Hellesdon.

The mum-of-two, who works as a dietitian at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, pledged to take part in this Sunday's City of Norwich Half Marathon. She also hopes to run more 5k, 10k and half marathon races in 2012 with the ultimate aim of running her first marathon.

Mrs Reasbeck, 46, said: 'I was encouraged to join the campaign to help celebrate the London Olympics and Paralympics. Making a pledge has helped to keep me more focused on my ultimate aim and motivated me to work steadily towards achieving my fitness goal. There have been several challenges during my training and I'm sure there will be a few more before and during the race.

'My daughters have supplied lots of encouragement and praise. When I doubted whether I should go for it Becky told me quite plainly 'Well if you are going to do a marathon before you are 50 you need to do a half marathon fairly soon' and I've not really looked back since. My daughters Becky and Tanisha will be my chief supporters on the day, and are also in charge of the water bottles and jelly beans.'

As part of her training, Mrs Reasbeck, who will be running in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, attended several of the running group sessions offered at the N&N and led by former Olympian Paul Evans through Active Norfolk's Fit4work initiative.

She will enter the ballot for the 2013 Virgin London Marathon and hopes to run in support of Help for Heroes in memory of a close friend.

Laurie Hull, director of Active Norfolk, said: 'Bridget's pledge catches the essence of Pledge 2012. Using the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Bridget set a stretching but achievable goal and, with the help of friends, family, the gym and Active Norfolk, will no doubt complete the City Half Marathon and then go on to achieve her ultimate aim – a full marathon. Well done to Bridget and thank you for inspiring others.'

To sponsor Mrs Reasbeck, go to www.justgiving.com/Bridget-Reasbeck

kate.scotter@archant.co.uk