Reality star Amy Childs will be running in her first London Marathon next month.

The former the Only Way Is Essex star, who owns a salon in Brentwood, has joined the British Heart Foundation team and will be raising money for the charity.

She said: “I’m so proud to be running for such a fantastic charity. This is my first marathon and even though I’ve found training really difficult, I am determined to succeed and I know that the experience on the day will be worth all the hard work.

“Although I am nervous, I am looking forward to the atmosphere and excitement and the feeling as I cross the finish line. Of course, it will be much easier on the day knowing that I have raised funds for a worthy cause, so I am counting on everyone to show their support, sponsor me and help the BHF to raise much-needed funds for the research needed to fight heart disease, the UK’s single biggest killer.”

To sponsor Amy for the Virgin London Marathon visit: www.justgiving.com/amy-childs.