A SOUTH Zeal woman is hard at work training for one of the most famous sporting events in the world ? the London Marathon.

Debra Crome, 31, said she has always fancied the idea of the race ? but in vague terms.

But the fact her employer, Ambrosia, is owned by Unilever, which also owns Flora, the sponsor of the marathon, meant she was virtually given a sought after place in the race ?on a plate?.

?I couldn?t look a gift horse in the mouth really ? I?m just so excited about it,? said Debra, who will run the race to raise money for the West of England College for the Deaf at Exeter.

She said: ?I?m hard of hearing myself and I have tinnitus, so it?s something that?s close to my heart. I?ve had hearing problems since I was 18 and I?ve always had to deal with it.

?The college was the only establishment I could find that was reasonably local and then, coincidentally, I met the head of the college at a drinks party at Christmas.?

Debra started preparing for the marathon in September and trains with a group of fellow runners. She is gradually increasing the length of her runs and is now up to the 15-mile distance.

?I think mentally it will be most difficult. Whatever happens, I will cross that finishing line, whatever state I?m in, but the group have been a real driving force, they?ve been brilliant,? she said, adding she was also indebted to the support of Dawn and Wendy at Okehampton physiotherapy department

The money Debra raises in sponsorship will be used to buy the college computer equipment like a printer or projector.

?Communication for the deaf community is obviously difficult and for the deaf, pictures speak a lot louder than words, so modern technology really helps deaf people get up to speed,? said Debra.

She said she is collecting money ?left, right and centre? among friends and family and has opened a bank account for the pledges.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Debra Crome in the marathon on April 13 should call her on 01837 840031.