A Kent charity has revealed they are set to receive a boost from down under as an Australian mum prepares to run the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise cash.

Emily Mellows will travel 12,000 miles from her home in Tasmania to raise funds for the Swanley Unit for Multiple Sclerosis by taking part in Sunday's race.

The centre, which provides oxygen therapy for neurological conditions and sport injuries, relies on donations to operate with no government funding or local authority support.

Asked why Mrs Mellows is flying half way around the world to help the independent charity, she says she will hope bring communities together - despite being on separate continents.

Emily said: "The fact that Swanley is such a long way from me really seemed irrelevant.

"The opportunity to use running as way to help others is what is important and I really feel like running is a universal language that can bring communities together.

"I live in a wonderful community in Kingborough, Southern Tasmania, and I know how important local and accessible therapy centres are.

"I actually really like the synergy between Kingborough and Swanley - and I think my fundraising for SUMS demonstrates that small communities can help each other and that the world is really such a small place.”

On Saturday, Emily will visit the centre on the Park Road Industrial Estate where she will meet her co-runner Abbie Smith, who has run three marathons for the charity.

To donate to Emily and Swanley Therapy Centre click here.