A SUPER-FIT teacher from Quinton is preparing for this weekend's Virgin London Marathon with a smile on her face.

Rachael Green, a physical education teacher at Moseley Park, is running the 26.2 mile challenge for veterinary charity PDSA, which cares for thousands of pets at it's Quinton animal hospital.

Rachael has a gruelling training programme in place to make sure she crosses the finish line within her target time of three hours 20 minutes and hopes animal lovers will support her marathon effort.

She said: “My training is going really well, I’m running five days a week and hitting the gym three times and I also kickbox and play football twice a week. "I’ve competed in endurance events before and have run a couple of marathons, but this is the first time I’ve run the London Marathon and I’m really excited to be taking part.”

Animal lover Rachael, who has two cats of her own, is hoping to raise £1,900 for PDSA.

She added: “PDSA is a brilliant charity which helps so many pets and their owners right across the UK. Animals are very dear to my heart and it’s reassuring to know that PDSA is there for pets when their owners fall on difficult times.”

Sarah Shelton, PDSA community events fundraiser, said: “Rachael’s marathon challenge will mean many pets receive the vital veterinary treatment they need and we’re enormously grateful for her support. We’ll be cheering Rachael and the rest of Team PDSA along the course and I hope local animal lovers will dig deep to support her too.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/Miss-R-Green or text RUNG59 £5 to 70070.