Running a marathon - in wellington boots

A mother mourning the death of her anorexic daughter aims to raise funds and awareness for an eating disorder charity by running the London marathon - in wellington boots.

A mother mourning the death of her anorexic daughter aims to raise funds and awareness for an eating disorder charity by running the London Marathon - in wellington boots.

Pauline Robinson's preparation for the big challenge had a hitch this week, when her foot was injured in an accident with a pitchfork.

But an x-ray has revealed the 48-year-old has not broken any bones, and she will resume training next week.

Eighteen-year-old Charlotte Robinson died in 2007 when she contracted pneumonia while critically malnourished through anorexia.

The former Paston College student died before she found out she had gained three A grade A-level passes and an A grade AS-level.

The family was still raw from the tragedy when they took a trip to Wales and scaled Snowdonia - with Mrs Robinson wearing her wellies, and completing the trek without any blisters. "I joked I could probably run the London Marathon in them and when I got back home a friend said it was a good idea," she said. "Charlotte and I were hoping to do a marathon together so it seems fitting."

The idea has already captured the imagination of people in and around the family's home village of Worstead. Customers at the family's local fish and chip shop, the Three Cottages in North Walsham, will soon be able to put their loose change in a wellington boot and even renowned French boot-maker, Le Chameau, was so stunned by Pauline's devotion to its footwear that the company has offered to support her run.

Pauline is now in training for the Wymondham 20-mile run in March, before the marathon on April 26.

Mrs Robinson has already helped to raise �12,000 for Norwich-based Beat - the national charity which helps people with eating disorders.

To donate, log on to www.

justgiving.com/paulinerobinson