Bridges Centre in Monmouth is striding forward in its ongoing fundraising goals.

As part of the Bridges Centre’s Vision 40 campaign, Beth Baker and her husband Tom have set themselves the target of raising £5,000 for the cause, however they’re going a little further afield and competing in this year’s London Marathon.

As part of their routine, Beth and Tom run around 20 miles every week, waking up at six o’clock to run six miles before starting their day.

Beth said: "We both run regularly, it keeps you healthy, keeps your weight down, keeps you fit. Both Tom and I have lost weight, I’ve lost five stone and Tom’s lost three."

Shoulder-to-shoulder with tens of thousands of other runners Beth and Tom, from Longhope, are training up for the 26 mile run. They’re both already well into their training programmes, with the couple completing the Cardiff 5k and a half-marathon last year as well as plans to take on the Severn Bridge 5 mile night run in preparation for the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April.

"It’ll be a big challenge to go from 15k to the full marathon," Beth says. "I’m aiming to finish in 4.30, but with so many people in the way, I’d just be happy if I finished."

Getting a spot in the marathon can be tricky, the Bridges Centre does not have a guaranteed spot in the race like larger charities, but Beth has successfully managed to get in on a charity place, with Tom entering as an individual runner.

Donations to support Beth and Tom can be made on their fundraising page at http://bit.ly/bethandtommarathon

Beth added: "It’s continual fundraising to keep the building going and keep the community projects running. One of the good things about supporting this charity, is that all the money raised, stays in Monmouthshire."

Mark Walton, director of Bridges Centre said: "The running brings different sections of the community together, it’s even got me started!"

Bridges Vision 40 is the ongoing fundraising campaign to assist in maintaining the Grade II* listed building as well as providing a home for its community projects. Around £13,500 has been raised by the initiative since April, from events such as their ’come dancing’ evening, race night and an evening with award winning chef Cyrus Todiwala.

In addition to the marathon, Beth and Tom are putting on a party evening over at the Bridges Centre featuring the musical stylings of ’This or a Harley’. Tickets are £10, available from Bridges Centre.