A fitness fan is taking on three huge challenges in six weeks.

Ellen Colebourne, 38, who lives in Megs Way, Braintree with her husband David Gration, is aiming to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the London Duathlon last Sunday **14TH** and two marathons in Oslo and Dublin.

The sales administrator at Persimmon Homes caught the fitness bug after receiving a ballot place for the London Marathon in 2011.

She said: “Three years ago I applied for London and to my surprise I got a place.

“I’d not run previously but managed to finish in four hours and 25 minutes, which I was delighted about."

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.