RAISING money for charity is something of a marathon for businesswoman Nicola Masterson.

Nicola will be taking part in five running events in the months ahead and in training for them, she has already lost more than two stones in weight.

Nicola, 42, who lives in St Osyth, plans to run the Colchester Half Marathon in March, the London Marathon in April, the London Moonwalk Marathon in May, the Relay for Life in Colchester in July and the Discover Adventure London Marathon in September.

The five events are to raise funds for Autism Anglia, Breast Cancer UK and Dancing Giraffe, a Colchester charity which supports children with disabilities.

Nicola said: “My aim is to get fit and healthy. By doing that, I might as well raise funds for things I am passionate about.

“I was two-and-a-half stones heavier than I am today and could not run more than 20 metres, never mind 26 miles.”

Nicola previously worked full-time for the family business which runs amusement arcades in Mersea and Brightlingsea but now only works part-time for it as she now has her own business, Aloe Inspired of Colchester.

She continued: “I came across a product that has been giving me more energy and helping me lose weight, which it has done. I am now a business mentor helping others do the same.”

Nicola also joined the Effective Business Network which led to her own business to grow as well as encouraging her to help the charities.

She added: “My God daughter has autism and Autism Anglia has been a fantastic support to her mum and the rest of the family.

“My mum Linda Sharpe was diagnosed last year with breast cancer and has just finished chemotherapy.

“The hospital has been fantastic and the Breast Cancer UK so supportive to help us cope and understand it.

“Dancing Giraffe is supported by ebn - the business networking group.”

Colchester ebn meets every other Tuesday and Colchester PlayGolf Centre. For information, go to www.ebn.uk.com/ groups/Colchester.

To help Nicola go to Nicolamasterson.com