AGE is no barrier to running the London Marathon — just ask Karan Berry.

She is taking on her first marathon at the age of 60 and hopes to inspire others.

Karan, of Lake, said: "I want to inspire others like me 'of a certain age', to understand anything can be possible if you put your mind to it.

"I was 60 this year and just a couple of years earlier, came to the realisation that to continue to do everything I wanted to in later life, I needed to stay fit and healthy.

"Although I did a bit of exercise, I was never consistent until I was lucky enough to find something I love — dance. It gave me the foundation I needed to build up my fitness.

"Since then I haven't looked back. I have taken part in three Great South ten mile runs and the West Wight Triathlon. It hasn't been easy, but my mantra is 'baby steps' in everything.

"Currently I am running 20 miles a week and one longer run at the weekend, gradually building up my mileage.

"I also cross-train three times a week — and when I say cross-train I mean dance.

"Don't think I'm a natural athlete. I love cake and chocolate too much, am slightly asthmatic and have dodgy knees, so if I can do this, I can do anything and so can you.

"We all only have one life, so live it."

Karan is running with husband Steve, 61, who ran in 2015.

Karan works as a data manager at Bembridge Primary School and the children have really got behind her.

She said: "My school is getting all the children to dress in sports gear and run a mile before the race, and donate a pound to disability charity Scope.

"I chose Scope as for many years I worked with disabled children in mainstream school and I know the difficulties they face daily."

Donate to Karan's cause at justgiving.com/fundraising/karan-berry

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