A Guardian reporter is training for her second marathon in a bid to raise over £1,800 for a blood cancer charity.

Rachael Knowles, a reporter for the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian, is running the London Marathon for a second year running despite a series of injuries.

The 24-year-old, who lives in Bethnal Green, suffered with shin splints and a knee injury last year and completed the race in over five-and-a-half hours.

She said: “Last year was a challenge as I had to balance marathon training with my journalism training – so running took a bit of a back seat.

“But I still managed to raise almost £800 which was the most important thing.”

This year Miss Knowles, who is raising money for blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, is determined to complete the race in four-and-a-half hours.

She said: “I really love the training this time round.  I haven’t had any problems so far and am eating and stretching better.

“I’m really excited for race day this time round as I know what an adrenaline rush it is. The crowd are amazing and so supportive – it gives you such a buzz.

“Anthony Nolan is my charity again this year as I know a couple of people who have been affected by leukaemia, and I also used to work for them so I know and understand the amazing work they do.”

Anthony Nolan is the London Marathon’s official charity this year and helps match people willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people who need lifesaving transplants.

To donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/RachaelKnowles1