A MUM-of-two is preparing to take part in the UK's biggest marathon event to raise awareness for families with disabled children.

Llinos Garrod, 38, from Gwyddelwern, near Corwen, is practicing for the London Marathon in April next year and is inspired by her 10-year-old son, Harrison, who has Autism.

Mrs Garrod, a nurse, who lives with husband John and their two children Harrison and Hope, aged 13, will run in aid of Contact, a charity that supports families with children with any disability.

Mrs Garrod has run three half-marathons to date but is yet to go the full distance, which she will have to face in six months time.

She said: "I am training around work as I am a nurse in a GP practice in the centre of Wrexham, whilst being a mother of two children and also fitting in time to be a wife.

"I am extremely nervous - as all those close to me know, I have a fear of crowds... So I choose one of the biggest events to sign up for!

"The target is to raise £2,000 but the dream is to smash this number."

Mrs Garrod has trained for the event at Corwen Leisure Centre and has a running group in Gwyddelwern.

"Training over winter will be difficult as I live in a rural area, so if you see me lit up like a flashing beacon then please give me a hoot to keep going," she said.

But she has strong and ongoing support from her family: "I have the most supportive husband a wife could ever imagine. He and the kids attend every run, no matter what the weather.

"Friends and family are extremely supportive and in different ways, whether it is a text, phone call, or a hug at the finish line - it all is a massive help.

Speaking about her son, Mrs Garrod said: "My son Harrison is Autistic with a few other little complications, also known as the 'invisible disabilities'.

"He is so proud of me when I say I run to promote disability and Autism awareness. He replies, 'just like me mummy!'

"He is a super star that started life 11 weeks early at 3lb and is now such a handsome and clever boy that I am so so proud of."

Mrs Garrod's daughter is also rooting for her mum.

"I did ask if I embarrassed her when I was out running, her response was fantastic. She said ' no way mum, you keep going'," Mrs Garrod said.

She added: "I am an extremely determined person and there is not an option not to finish this race, even if I cross the line on my hands and knees I will not let the charity down."

Mrs Garrod will hold a fundraiser at Gwyddelwern Community Hall on November 9, starting at 7pm 'til late to raise funds for her cause.

Rock band Face Value performance and raffle.

Visit Llinos Garrod's Go Fund Me page at www.gofundme.com/62ujd0w.