An Oakworth mum is putting her best foot forward to raise money for Manorlands.

De-Anne Morris has taken part in several running events, plus cycling challenges, in support of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

And later this year the Airedale Hospital staff nurse will tackle her first marathon.

Her debut event was the Keighley BigK 10k, less than two years ago.

Despite minimal preparation she completed the course – in March, 2012 – and the rest is history.

She clocked-up another BigK, two cycle events and her first half-marathon – the Great North Run – last year.

And now she is looking to repeat those, as well as take on the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon at York in October.

“I've well and truly been bitten by the running bug,” said De-Anne, 36.

“I can't believe I've gone from having no running experience to taking on my first marathon.

“I'd always wanted to take part in the 10k in Keighley but just never got round to it and kept putting it off.

“When I did the Great North Run last year I managed to complete it in just under two hours. It was an incredible day.”

She added: “The events are so exciting – the atmosphere is amazing and you get fantastic support from the Sue Ryder team.

“I'm currently talking some of my friends into joining me this year and would definitely recommend others give it a go.

“I get so much personally from running and taking part in the events and it's wonderful to know I'm doing it all for such a worthy local cause."

De-Anne’s enthusiasm for running is also rubbing off on her husband Allan and their daughters Abbie, 11, and Hannah, seven.

They all took part in the Skipton Santa Run before Christmas and have started attending weekly park runs.

“It’s so enjoyable,” said De-Anne.