Marathon Apprentice

15 MAR2011

Colourful Stella English, the rags to riches heroine of the BBC's 2010 Apprentice series, is facing another huge challenge. Stella made her way from the means streets of a south-east London housing estate to the higher reaches of the capital's financial world and then to one of television's biggest prizes. Now she's attempting next month's Virgin London Marathon despite admitting that she's been a reluctant exerciser in the past.

The woman Alan Sugar choose as his 2010 Apprentice is cycling and walking whenever she can. This includes biking to work and running back home - a distance of 10 miles. Stella tested her fitness levels at the adidas Silverstone Marathon on March 6 and posted a time of 2:38:57.

Speaking on her participation, Stella said: "I'm running in the London Marathon for the NSPCC and this is a tremendous motivation to stay focussed on my training. It feels fantastic to do my bit to help children who do not have straight-forward and loving home situations. I had difficulties as a child myself and so I hope to do my bit for children in the UK today. Children need adults to step in when times are tough and I want to send the message to the public that every adult can do something to help."

Stella is calling on runners, and non-runners like herself, to join the NSPCC's Team Go, who are taking part in a range of fitness and challenge events. More information is available at the charity website.

If you would like to find out more about Stella's fundraising efforts check out her page at the Virgin money giving website.