A JUNIOR doctor with hopes of specialising in paediatrics is putting on her running shoes in aid of a children’s charity.

Dr Misha Pankhania, a foundation Year One doctor at Colchester General Hospital, is taking part in the London Marathon on April 26.

The first-time marathon runner has been fiiting in training around her demanding work schedule, but says she feels ready for the challenge.

The 26-year-old said: “I’m early in my medical training and I want to become a paediatric doctor.

“Ever since I was young I’ve wanted to work with children.

“I'm on a paediatric rotation and have worked with children at medical school. It doesn’ feel like work to me, it’s nice getting up in the morning and going to work to do something you enjoy.”

Misha chose WellChild to support for the marathon after hearing about the practical and emotional support it offers families with sick children across the UK.

She added: “A couple of months ago my friend had a baby by emergency caesarean.

She told me about the support she had received and mentioned WellChild.

“Since signing up to run for the charity, it has sent me stories of people it has helped.

"One woman had to take her child to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, and without the help of WellChild giving them somewhere to stay they would have had to travel every day.

“People keep asking me about the run and about my finishing time, but it’s not about that – I'd walk it if it meant raising more money.”

Misha took part in the Colchester Half Marathon last month as part of her training.

She said: “ I did my last big training run of 21 miles, so I'm confident I’ll finish the London Marathon..

"The training has been gruelling. it's been really hard to fit training in around work, but everyone's been really supportive."

To sponsor Misha, who hopes to raise £1,500, visit justgiving.com/Misha-Pankhania