A COOKLEY deputy head teacher is pulling on her running shoes to raise money for a charity that supported her after she suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Vickie Crisp, who works at Cookley Sebright Primary School will be pounding the streets of the capital for the London Marathon on April 22.

She is part of the Brain and Spine Foundation Team, which is a cause very close to her heart following her own ordeal almost a decade ago.

In 2009, she suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage and the charity aided her recovery.

Vickie said: “It is hard to believe that here I am, eight years on, preparing for my first ever marathon, I struggled to even get out of bed for four months.

“I feel so privileged to be running for the Brain & Spine Foundation."

She added: “I would encourage anyone suffering from any type of neurological problem to contact the Brain & Spine Foundation helpline 0808 808 1000 or refer to their website.

“They were a huge support to me and this is my way of giving something back to say thank you. I know that many people that have suffered the same would not be as lucky as me, not only have I made a full recovery, I am planning on running 26.2 miles!”

Vickie, who was encouraged by a friend three years ago to take up running, has completed a few 10k runs and one half marathon but this is the first time she has taken on the full 26.2 mile marathon course.

She is one of a team of 36 runners representing the charity at the marathon.

Vickie has been tasked by the charity to raise £1,800 and the pupils, parents and staff at Cookley School have helped her raise cash by holding a charity marathon mile event, a quiz night and a weekend forest school.

People can support her efforts by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CrispVictoria2