A MUM-OF-THREE who was hit by a car when she was out jogging is to run in this year’s London Marathon.

Pat Charalambous, whose busy life includes juggling looking after her young daughters while also managing Inspiration hair salon on George Lane, South Woodford, will beat the streets alongside thousands of others at the gruelling 26-mile race in April.

It comes after the determined 38-year-old, who has run the marathon twice before, was knocked down by a car on Monkhams Lane in Woodford Green.

It is an experience she will not let herself be put off by.

"I just want to raise the money for such a good cause and beat my time," she said.

"It was very scary. I was sent flying into the windscreen of the car and suffered internal bruising.

"I couldn’t move my whole side. My friend I was with was also hit, but he saved me from it being any worse because he fell on top of me."

Mrs Charalambous, who will be doing the course with her husband, hopes to beat her best time at the race, which stands at four hours and eleven minutes.

"I just want to get under four hours, and I’ve been training hard running four times a week so I definitely think I can do it.

"Beating eleven minutes off your time might not sound like a lot, but it’s very difficult over such a long race."

Mrs Charalambous hopes to raise more than £2,000 in sponsorship from the race for charity CLIC Sargent, which cares for children suffering from cancer and their families.

Despite her hectic lifestyle, it is not the first time the popular salon owner has raised hundreds for charity.

In the past she has managed to fit in multiple runs, sponsored silences, and has even shaved off all her hair for charity.

"But out of everything a marathon is definitely the hardest," she added.

If you are running the London Marathon or if you would like to sponsor Mrs Charalambous, contact the Guardian at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 8498 3437.