A ROMSEY nurse is pounding the town streets ahead of running the London marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Joanne Grout, 44, wants to help the charity after they contributed funds to build the ward she works on in Southampton.

Jo is also organising a concert at Romsey Abbey next week in a bid to raise £2,000.

The mother-of-two said she hopes to inspire people to contribute to the battle against cancer.

Jo said: "Teenage Cancer Trust do such incredible work, and they are the sponsor for the London Marathon this year.

"I applied for one of their places and was fortunate enough to get one.

"It's going to be a huge challenge for me, but training is going well, so here's hoping I can get a good time."

Jo is a clinical nurse in Southampton, and the trust funded the ward she works on.

Having lived in Romsey for more than 20 years, she is also a member of town choir, Romsey Voices.

Next Friday (February 9), five town choirs will come together in a bid to raise extra funds for the charity, as well as Romsey Abbey, who will host the event.

Jo's husband Nick and her two daughters are also members of choirs within the town.

Romsey Male Voice Choir, Romsey Youth Choir, Romsey Children's Choir and Romsey Abbey Primary School Choir will join Romsey Voices from 7.30pm.

Although entry is free, all donations will be split between the trust and the Abbey.

Jo said: "Doing what I do, I can see the huge difference that the charity and the support it offers, can make.

"I haven't done a marathon before, though I do the Romsey five-mile event quite often.

"I am up to around ten miles now, so it's just a case of upping the distance I can manage to make the most of this opportunity.

"There are a couple of us running the event at work, and we have all been tasked with raising £2,000 so I'm going to do my best!"