Runner Rosie Swale Pope has revealed that she has begun her gruelling training schedule ahead of her 26 marathons in 26 days.

Rosie's long time friend and experienced runner herself, Ann Rowell, of the TROT running club, has been putting Rosie through her paces this week with some early morning starts in preparation for her charity runs in aid of children's hospices, which start in April.

"Anyone who has seen me up at 5 am this week going through my paces, no I haven't gone insane, it's all in preparation for my latest challenge," explained Rosie.

"I'm very grateful to Ann for the training advice she is giving me and to the whole town of Tenby once again for showing their support," continued 63-year-old Rosie, who hopes to raise £3,000 each for Ty Hafan, the only children's hospice in Wales, Helen House in Oxford, the world's first children's hospice, and Douglas House, also in Oxford, the first for young people.

"Once again the people of the town have shown their support for me ahead of this challenge and I'm very grateful as always," said Rosie.

"What I need now is as much sponsorship as possible and for people to donate to this wonderful worthwhile cause," she added.

Rosie also thanked her friends and neighbours Tracey and Steve, Sue and Brian, along with Ann and Keith Price, Alan Jones, of Tenby Auto Centre, Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, Pembrokeshire Coastal Cottages, and the Rotary Club and Inner Wheel for their support.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Rosie can do so by logging on to http://www.justgiving.com/rosie-swale-pope">www.justgiving.com/rosie-swale-pope.

Sponsorship forms can also be found at Coastal Cottages' Tenby office, Kate Blair Hairdressers, Webb Computers and Weybourne Guest House.

Her first marathon on her epic 681.2-mile journey will be in her very own home town as she launches Tenby's new Wales Marathon.

Rosie is teaming up with Matthew Evans, chief executive of Activity Wales, and company director Scott Powell to promote the exciting three-day gruelling event which is being hosted by Tenby in September.

Rosie will run the 26.2-mile course on Easter Monday, April 5, pulling her famous cart Icebird, which accompanied her for a large part of her 21,000-mile global trek.

For further information on Ty Hafan, you can view the website at http://www.tyhafan.org">www.tyhafan.org