A mum who says running saved her from post-natal depression is hoping to raise cash for charity by completing a marathon.

Suzanne Mills, 42, of Deer Park Way, Waltham Abbey, turned to jogging to cope with the traumatic months following the birth of her son Ben, now three, who suffered from severe stomach and hip problems.

She said: “He cried non-stop from the moment he got up to the moment he went to bed and as soon as my husband Scott got home from work and my daughter Fay was in bed, I went out and ran.

“It did the trick because I felt a big weight off my shoulders just running and having fresh air.”

She completed a half marathon in 2009 and is raising money for the Stroke Association, as her father, Terry Sadler, is recovering from a stroke that struck in March last year.

She said: “I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to do the marathon and with what happened to dad last year, I thought I’d put myself forward.”

To sponsor Mrs Mills, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/suzannemills1970.