A MUM-OF-ONE from Houghton Green will be taking part in the London Marathon for the 24th time to help support the Warrington Wolves Foundation.

Louise Blizzard decided she wanted to run Sunday's race to raise funds for the charity, which provides life-changing opportunities through sport, after watching the Warrington Wolves Physical Disability Rugby (PDRL) Team play in February.

The 42-year-old said she was 'overwhelmed' by the dedication of the players, some of whom overcame their struggles living with a disability, and wanted to help support them.

She said: "What really shone through more than anything was how happy and engaged they all were taking part with support from more than 1,000 people that day.

"The atmosphere was electric and each of the teams gave it everything.

"The Warrington Wolves PDRL Team are hoping to play future fixtures against other clubs and I would love to be able to support them in raising funds for this."

Louise, who works at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Woolston, has completed the London Marathon 23 times, finishing it every year since 1994 – except in 2010 when her son Alfie was born.

She said: "I could talk forever about the London Marathon.

"Back in 1983, I watched my dad run the London Marathon, and I always hoped that one day I could run it.

"I did my first one when I was 18, in 1994, and ran it with my dad and was then really lucky to qualify for the elite women's race after that.

"The race means so much to me, just being part of the whole experience and also trying to run well.

"I always feel proud and very lucky to be there – it's quite emotional running that last mile."

Despite being nervous, Louise said she trains for three months leading up the event and hopes it will go to plan on the big day.

Her husband Gareth and son Alfie are said to have been a huge support throughout her training and will be at the event, on Sunday, to watch her cross the finish line.

Louise said: "It's the months of training in all weathers at all hours fitting in around full time work and family commitments, and I just hope I can do my family and friends proud on the day.

"Gareth and Alfie are coming to London on Sunday morning to watch the finish so that will be a massive incentive."

Donations can be made via Louise's JustGiving page or by texting Bliz75 to 70070 to sponsor anything from £1 upwards.