A South Wales journalist will line up alongside thousands of other runners for the third consecutive year on Sunday at the London Marathon.

Sharon Harris, from the Barry and District News, ran the 2008 and 2009 events for the Pituitary Foundation after undergoing lifesaving neurosurgery in 2004 to remove a tumour from her pituitary gland after she was diagnosed with Cushings Disease.

This year the 39-year-old will lace up her trainers in aid of the RNLI Barry Dock lifeboat and its crew and plans to continue fundraising for the charity at other events over the coming months.

The RNLI awarded Sharon a charity gold bond place in January this year.

She said: “Many people aren’t aware that these men and women risk their lives to save others who get into trouble off Barry’s coastline.

“Last year I reported on, and met in hospital, a teenager who wouldn’t be here now if their dedication and skill hadn’t been available out at sea.

“It costs more than £1,100 to kit just one of the crew in the essential protective gear and more is needed to train, maintain and even launch the boat.

“All contributions, no matter how large or small, will be invaluable in assisting with the work of the RNLI Barry Dock lifeboat crew.”

To sponsor Sharon visit her online fundraising page.