TEACHING assistant Sabrina Lomax could be excused if she arrives late to Minehead First School on Monday, April 27.

For, Ms Lomax will be running her first-ever marathon 24 hours earlier to raise money for St John Ambulance.

She will be among hundreds of runners supporting the charity in the annual London Marathon and has already raised nearly £700 toward her £2,000 target.

Ms Lomax, a mother of ‘two football-mad boys’, said she had thought chasing after children was ‘enough cardio for a lifetime’.

Now, she finds herself signed up to run the London Marathon for ‘an incredible charity that shows up when people need help most’.

Ms Lomax said: “Training has meant early mornings, tired legs, and trying to convince my boys that ‘long run’ does not mean driving to McDonald’s.

“But, knowing it is for such an important cause keeps me going, even when my knees disagree.

“From community events to emergencies, they are often the calm in the chaos, and I am so proud to be running for them.

“So, please dig deep and donate if you can, every penny helps a brilliant cause.

“And if the charity itself does not convince you, then please consider giving in loving memory of my knees, which will almost certainly never forgive me for this decision.

“Every pound truly makes a difference and will help support the life-saving work St John Ambulance does every single day.

“If you are able to donate, big or small, I would be so grateful.

“Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and for helping push this busy mum over the finish line.”

St John Ambulance describes itself as the charity that ‘picks you up, dusts you down, and gets you over the finish line’.

More than 400,000 people every year learn how to save a life through its training programmes.