WHEN a Fairford mother finishes the London Marathon in April it will be the end of a much longer journey.

RAF mechanical engineer Natalie Holt, of Aldsworth Close, is taking on the 26.2mile challenge knowing that every step she takes in one step further away from her post-natal depression.

Amazingly, the 31-year-old was never a big fan of running and only got serious about it a year ago.

And the reason she pulled on her trainers and got out the door was in her fight to get over the “baby blues” – a debilitating illness faced by many new mothers.

“I had my little boy 18 months ago and got post-natal depression. Then when he got to six-months-old I took to running, which really helped.”

Before long Natalie, who works at Brize Norton, had conquered the Fairford 10k and the Birmingham Half Marathon, a race she completed in an admirable time of 2 hours 25 minutes.

“I suppose it’s a bit like therapy, getting out there running,” she said. “I’d defiantly recommend it to any other mothers experiencing the same thing, it’s just getting out there that really helps.”

But Natalie has not been alone on her journey as she was helped along by a friend and Quenington Runner Beans, a group of “really supportive” runners, joggers and walkers that meet every Monday.

Soon she had her sights set on the London Marathon, which she managed to get a place on by offering to compete for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, an independent charity that has been helping servicepeople and their families since 1919.

“I used to run sometimes but never really enjoyed it,” she said. “Now I have become a mother I’ve really got into it. I think being a mother gives you the endurance and stamina you need!”

She now needs to raise £2,500 to enter the London Marathon on April 24 – less than 90 days away.

Simon Footer, regional director for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "The charity is extremely grateful to have dedicated supporters such as Natalie. Their hard work and determination inspire us to continue supporting the whole of the RAF family, when in need.

"As the RAF's leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund spent almost £19 million supporting nearly 40,000 people last year.

"We receive no regular government funding so without the tremendous commitment and effort of fundraisers like Natalie, we simply would not be able to do this important work."

To support Natalie visit her JustGiving page and to find out more about the charity go to rafbf.org.