RAISING £4,000 for charity takes a marathon effort, so Linza Kerr thought it would be fitting if she did one herself.

Fitness instructor Linza, 27, of Dryfield Road, Edgware, will compete in the London Marathon on April 18, and hopes to raise £2,000 apiece for Kith Kids, which helps disabled children, and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (Wagggs).

And just six days after the punishing 26-mile slog, Linza will attempt a 75km trek to Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes.

It will be her maiden marathon, and she has never taken on a hike as daunting as the Andes venture.

"People probably think I'm mad," Linza said. "It's going to be really hard, especially as the events are so close together.

"But the two charities are close to my heart, especially Wagggs, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. I work as a guide leader."

Linza will be hard to miss in the marathon throng, as she intends to run in full girl guide uniform.

"I'll definitely stand out and, hopefully, will help raise the profile of the guides and the charity," she said.

Following the Inca trail to Machu Picchu promises to be equally energy-sapping, though spectacular, with a maximum altitude of 4,200m. Linza aims to do 75km in five days.

But that's not all busy Linza has planned. She has organised a three-hour aerobics event at Harrow Leisure Centre in Wealdstone on Easter Sunday and is inviting people to take part to help her charity drive.

She will be leading a studio challenge in the morning and a gym challenge in the afternoon. There will be a carnival atmosphere, with many leisure centre staff vowing to follow Linza's lead and come in fancy dress.

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