GOLD medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent will help a barrister race towards her 40th birthday.

Jodie Swallow, 39, of Gres-ford is warming up for one of the biggest challenges of her life, as she prepares to run the Flora London Marathon as part of the Flora pro.activ Marathon Challenge team, on the day of her 40th birthday.

The barrister and part-time NEWI law lecturer is one of 30 lucky runners chosen from 1,000 entries to train alongside rower Matthew Pinsent to run the 26.2 miles on Sunday, April 23.

Jodie, and the Flora pro.activ Marathon Challenge team, are receiving top advice from leading professionals and will be attending training sessions with Matthew in London's Battersea Park.

The Flora team are running for two very important reasons - to help to raise money for the Stroke Association and to encourage others to lead healthier lifestyles.

As part of the team's training regime their cholesterol and blood pressure levels are being closely monitored to demonstrate the improvements that can be made to overall heart health through changes in diet and lifestyle.

Jodie said: 'I was thrilled to be chosen to join Matthew Pinsent in the Flora pro.activ Marathon Challenge.

'I thought it would be a great way to celebrate my 40th birthday and to run for all the 30 and 40-somethings out there trying to juggle busy lives.

'I saw the advert in the paper, and didn't think I would go through with it, but my husband Andrew spurred me on.'

Jodie is completing a strict training regime on top of her team training days.

Every Monday she has been going for a 13-mile run, and spends five days of the week running shorter distances and cross-country training.

She said: 'I am really looking forward to it, I know I will be nervous in the run up, I get knots in my stomach when I think about it.

'The training days have been thrilling, I came away with a real buzz.

'There are people from different walks of life running in the team, and they are all really up for the great challenge.

'I am really delighted that the Stroke Association is the allocated charity, as strokes are the third biggest killer in the UK.'

Jodie is hoping to raise £1,000 and if you would like to boost her fundraising efforts, money can be donated at www.justgiving.com/jodieswallow. nIf you would like further information about lowering your cholesterol and controlling your blood pressure go to www.floraproactiv.co.uk.