A runner from Pwllheli who is gearing up for her first London Marathon has told the Cambrian News why she is running for a charity close to her heart.

Karen Rees-Roberts is raising money for Caernarfon-based children’s cancer charity Gafael Llaw and national disability charity Scope. At the time of printing, she had raised £1,536.82.

Karen told the Cambrian News about the local charity and why she wanted to raise money for it.

She said: “I like to give to the local area.

“The charity was originally set up by a man whose niece was sick. The girl is the same age as my son so they were in the same class.

“It’s close to home. The girl is well now but her uncle has set up this charity to help other children.”

Karen is no stranger to raising money through charity events.

In the past, she has competed in the Race for Life, Moon Walk and the Pen Llyn Ultra Marathon.

Karen added: “Scope chose me as they were looking for charity runners.

“I need to raise £2,000 for them and anything past this will go to Gafael Llaw."

The London marathon is on 26 April. To donate to Karen’s fundraiser, visit https://justgiving.com/fundraising/Karen-Rees-Roberts2