A TAVISTOCK dentist is swapping the surgery for the streets of Brighton as she prepares to take part in the Brighton Marathon.

On Sunday, April 14, Marina Bacon will run the gruelling 26.2-mile route through Brighton to raise money to help fight meningitis, a life-threatening disease that affects thousands of people every year.

She will be training hard over the next few months and is asking everyone to support her every step of the way. Marina said: 'Running 26.2 miles is a tough challenge in anyone's book but I have made it my goal and I am going to give it everything I've got.

'This year, I am due to get married; however, life could have been very different after meningitis almost claimed the life of my husband-to-be, Jon, in 2002. Consequently, with great backing from friends, family and work colleagues I know I can do it and I'm determined to help the Meningitis Trust in their fight against this devastating disease.'

Marina has set a fundraising target of £500 and anyone wishing to sponsor her can send donations to Marina Bacon at Lynbridge Dental Practice, 26 West Street, Tavistock, PL19 8AN or online by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/MarinaBacon">www.justgiving.com/MarinaBacon

A bake sale has also been organised to help raise money on March 25 at Lynbridge Dental Practice from 8.30am to 5pm.