WHEN she weighed in at 18 stone, getting up in the morning and catching a bus was the most exercise Rowan Bailey had each day.

But after losing more than a quarter of that weight, the wonder woman is now hoping to run 169 miles in four months.

Mrs Bailey, aged 25, of Harrison Close, Powick, is running a total of 12 races, the equivalent of six-and-a-half marathons, for the deafblind charity Sense between now and April. She finishes her series of events with the London Marathon.

For someone who only started to exercise two years ago, she is quite rightly delighted with her achievements.

She said: "It was an effort to get ready in the mornings and exercise was not a word I was familiar with.

"But I then made the decision to lose weight and get fit and haven't looked back since.

"I did the London Marathon last year for Sense, a charity I think does some excellent work, and am looking forward to the challenge of this year's event and the races beforehand."

Mrs Bailey, a customer services manager, has already completed 20 miles of her quest and is constantly jogging, cycling, or swimming in preparation for the next event - which is a seven-mile race tomorrow.

At 13 stone Mrs Bailey admits she is not the quickest of runners and still needs to lose weight, but is hoping her efforts will be an inspiration to others.

She is also handing the baton to businesses in Worcester and surrounding areas. With a target of £1,400 she is offering firms the chance to put their logo on her vest for £50.

She added: "When I started exercising I wanted to help a charity from the start, and after reading about several causes I chose Sense. I don't have a history of deafness or blindness, but it must be awful to be both and Sense does some amazing work.

"I have put a lot of effort into this and I am appealing for businesses to help me through sponsorship. Last year I raised £2,500 by doing the London Marathon, and I would like to raise the same again, although I have given myself a target of £1,400.

"Also, if I can do it, anyone can. People are quite welcome to call me or come to Worcester Joggers Club at Perdiswell Leisure Centre on a Monday night at 7pm if they want to know more."

For more information call Rowan on 0121 5085807 or log onto www.justgiving. co.uk/100milesforsense.