A MUM has taken on two marathons to raise enough money to upgrade a pre-school playground.

Geraldine Springett's son Cian, three, attends Rowhedge Under 5's Pre School.

Her older son Kaiden, who is now five and attends St Lawrence Primary School, also went to the pre school when he was younger.

The mum-of-two is a committee member at the pre school and is raising money to upgrade the garden there.

She said: "The school work hard to prepare the children, to encourage bonds between the children and help make this stressful time easy and enjoyable for the children and especially the parents.

"Cian tells me he loves pre-school and especially enjoys the garden space where he can see his older brother over the fence in the playground.

"With successful fundraising in the past this pre school has managed to stay open for just over 50 years, providing the local children with the much needed school."

The annual Strawberry Fayre, which takes place on June 16 is the main fundraising event, but the parents are setting themselves other challenges.

This year’s aim is to raise enough funds for a much needed upgrade to the outside play area.

The mum added: "The area currently has its limitations but with a new surface it will be a fantastic play area the children can use all year round.

"We would love to astro turf the garden, but quotes have been around £4,000 to £6,000 and the funds raised from our annual events would hardly cover this.

"We are hoping to raise at least another £500 to go towards the cost of the garden and through many kind donations we are just under half way."

In order to raise the extra cash she is running two marathons in three months.

She and friend Debs Cuberley ran the Halstead and Essex Marathon on May 13. They crossed the finish line together in four hours and 14 minutes.

They also organised a marathon sweepstake and raised another £80.

Next is the Fort William Marathon in the Scottish Highlands on July 29.

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/5fb3bfs.