A HAMPSHIRE woman is hoping to gain the oxygen of publicity for a good cause when she tackles four park runs wearing an air cylinder.

Kelly Wainwright, from Locks Heath, is training for the London Marathon in April, when she will be raising money for the British Lung Foundation (BLF).

She says wearing the oxygen cylinder will raise awareness of the challenges faced by those living with a lung condition.

Kelly is a pulmonary rehabilitation physiotherapist with Solent NHS Trust and works daily with lung patients.

Her courses combine physical exercise sessions with discussion and advice on lung health.

Kelly said: “Those I treat have lost independence, confidence and are unsure about the futures they face.

“A marathon is hard but the BLF is a charity I truly believe in and I’m willing to put in the mileage to get the awareness and monies it needs to continue its excellent work.”

She will run in Netley Abbey on March 11, Lee-on-the-Solent on March 25, Fareham on April 1 and Southsea on April 8 before the London marathon on April 23.

Kelly said: “Every day I see the benefits of empowering change, management through self-motivation and a chance to regain control in patients affected by a lung condition.”

She will also join more than one hundred runners as part of the BLF’s Team Breathe marathon running team and is targeting more than £1,800 for BLF research, support and campaigning work.

Kate Lyall, fundraising manager for the BLF said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Kelly for her fantastic support.

“It’s thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of people like her that we are able to continue our vital work researching new treatments and supporting people living with lung disease across the UK.”