Vicky is heading for New York

Vicky, from Beechwood Avenue, Lower Salvington, says running the New York marathon is something she has been waiting to do for some time.

"It has been my life-long ambition to run the New York Marathon," said Vicki. "I actually entered three years ago and got a place, but then I found out I was pregnant and had to cancel."

Now Vicki, who is mum to Caitlin, three, and Lois, one, is ready to take up her challenge, this time raising funds for both St Barnabas, in Durrington, and Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice, near Arundel.

As a member of the Goring Road Runners and having completed the London Marathon for St Barnabas in 1994, Vicki knows what to expect of the 26-mile marathon on November 4.

But she said: "I am slightly apprehensive, not least because I am petrified of flying. But I am also really excited."

Vicki, who now works at Lloyds TSB, volunteered at St Barnabas as a student and is inspired by the work it and Chestnut Tree House does with no government funding.

But it was long before Vicki even knew what a hospice was for that she organised her first fund-raising event.

She said: "When I was about nine or 10, I pestered my parents to let me hold a garden fte. I charged the neighbours an admission fee and sold things like pots I had made from clay I dug up in the garden. I raised 27."

Vicki lived in Durrington at the time, close to the then new hospice, and she said it was the obvious charity to benefit from her fund-raising efforts.

This time, Vicki hopes to raise 2,000 to split between the two hospices.

She has already been promised 500 from Lloyds TSB and friends and family have pledged another 500.

- To help Vicki hit her target, visit www.justgiving.com/vickigrundy