A postal worker will swap the quiet lanes of rural East Devon for the busy streets of the capital in April as she takes on the challenge of running the London Marathon to raise funds for The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.

Sharon Wells, from Feniton, is one of twelve intrepid runners from as far afield as the United States who are taking part in the world-famous annual event on Sunday, April 26, to raise funds for the animal welfare charity.

They will join many thousands more lining up at the start in Greenwich, before taking in some of London's most iconic landmarks and heading to the finish line on the Mall, 26.2 miles later.

Seasoned runner Sharon, 54, is no stranger to the London Marathon. Having previously run it four times, she has raised almost £4,000 for a number of charities close to her heart. For 2020, Sharon decided she wanted to choose a local charity and give something back to the area she calls home.

Sharon and her family are regular visitors to The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth and takes many of her training runs around the countryside surrounding the sanctuary, often to the braying encouragement of the resident donkeys.

Commenting on the challenge ahead, Sharon said: "I enjoy running in the lovely Devon countryside but there really is no event like the London Marathon. The atmosphere is magical and support from the crowds is truly incredible."

Sharon was awarded one of The Donkey Sanctuary's eight golden bond places, with a further four runners pledging their support with their own ballot places, ensuring The Donkey Sanctuary can continue its work reaching donkeys and mules in the UK and across the world.

Rose Huxham, Community Fundraising Officer at The Donkey Sanctuary, added: "It is amazing that Sharon has chosen to fundraise for The Donkey Sanctuary by running in the London Marathon.

"We are so proud of all our Marathon runners and value their support and determination, and look forward to welcoming them across the finish line."

To support Sharon's fundraising please visit her Just Giving page by clicking the red button below.