LAUNCESTON College A-Level student Shannon Moody has been juggling preparing for higher education and training for the London Marathon, to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

She said she had been toying with the idea of running the London Marathon for a while, and when her auntie, Beverley Best, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, she decided it was time to raise some money and awareness.

Ahead of taking on the marathon this Sunday, April 22, Shannon told the Post: “It’s been difficult balancing marathon training and fundraising along with visiting universities and studying for my final A-Level exams which are in June, but I couldn’t have managed it without the support of my friends and family!

“Also the support of Tesco where I work has been great, I’ve done two really successful fundraisers there with the help of my family, friends and work colleagues.

“I’d just love to say a huge thank you everyone who has supported me, from giving donations, helping to fundraise, giving me kit, coming on long runs with me, printing my vest, motivating me, and helping out with events and advice too.”

Shannon is a PE student, but hasn’t done a lot of running before and said she has struggled with injuries during training. However, she said she now feels up to where she needs to be.

Training has included 21 miles on a snowy Camel Trail — huge contrast to the 19 degrees expected in London on marathon day.

Last October, she ran the Plymouth 10k, but at the time, having never run above six miles, she didn’t think she had enough training behind her for a half marathon. After the Plymouth 10k, though, she said: “I’m going to give this half marathon a go,” and ran the Exeter Great West Run in two hours, 24 minutes.

She said: “Ideally I’d want to do [the London Marathon] in under five hours but at the end of the day it’s about raising funds.”

She was thrilled last week to surpass her initial £2,500 fundraising target, extending her thanks to all who have supported her, including the Westgate Inn, which held a fundraising event to boost her total.

To donate to Shannon, visit www.justgiving.com/shannon-moody