AS AN all action television presenter Angela Barnes is no stranger to a challenge and has already climbed the summit of the highest mountain in western Europe and run the London marathon.

Now she faces one of her biggest challenges yet - running 5k everyday for Hampshire charity - Sophie's Appeal.

It was started after Sophie Barringer from Eastleigh died of cancer 13 years ago.

On what would have been Sophie's 19th birthday, Angela alongside 19 others will run in memory of the little girl.

Five-year-old, Sophie was diagnosed with Wilm's Disease, a form of kidney cancer, following only a few days of feeling unwell.

Her tumour spread from her kidney, up her main vein and into her liver and heart and she immediately began an intensive regime of chemotherapy to try and shrink the tumour.

She died at home on December 9, 2004.

Today (friday) at Eastleigh FC, Angela will be joined by Sophie's friends and family - as well as some of her own former Thornden School friends for the fundraising event.

Starting on the 1 Jan 2017, Angela began running every day.

"I didn't get the opportunity to meet Sophie but I was touched by her story.

"It's often challenging to fundraise with just one event because of the limited time frame so I wanted to quite literally go the extra mile to help do as much as I can to raise money for such a worthy cause over a longer period of time.

"That's when I came up with the idea of doing 5k a day throughout 2017," said Angela.

Sophie's Appeal became a registered charity in 2005 and has raised in excess of £450k for cancer research and treatment.

Sophie's mother, Lin said: "Birthdays are always hard for myself and Mike, Sophie's Dad, it got me thinking wouldn't it be fun if we recognised what would have been Sophie's 19th birthday.

"Sophie, I'm sure would be so proud of what we have achieved in her memory.

"Turning our grief and loss, into something positive is what keeps us going." Lin said.

Celebrity supporters of Sophie's Appeal have also been sending their good luck wishes to Angela.

Former Saints footballer, who is no stranger to a charity run himself, Francis Benali said: "I'd like to wish Angela every success in her year long challenge for such a worthy cause.

"Waking up every morning over such a long period of time to then go and run will take a huge amount of commitment and effort, but I'm sure she will accomplish her goal," he said.

If you are interested in taking part in the run or cheering along participants, please contact Lin or Julie at info@sophiesappeal.org

Link to Angela's fundraising page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Angela-barnes8