A BELSTONE resident will be proving no challenge is too big next year, when she takes on the Paris Marathon to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Katherine Manchip from Belstone, along with her friend Allie Matchwick, from Reading, decided to take on the challenge after an inspirational trip to India last summer.

The girls, who are both 21 and studying Veterinary Medicine at The University of Bristol, will be raising money for Trust Children's Home in Southern India.

Katherine said the trip to India turned out to be more emotional than the pair had first imagined.

She said: 'The trip has apparently changed us.

'The situation first arose while looking for some gallivanting to do in our summer holidays.

'A university friend mentioned Trust and we were keen to do some backpacking around the jewel of the British Empire, so booked flights immediately without really thinking about small children.

'Before we knew it we were embarking on the three flights of 16 hours travelling and an overnight stay in Chennai airport, and had arrived in the tiny village of Vengadampatty in Tamil Nadu state, Southern India.

Katherine said they were greeted by 40 excited, smiling faces, welcoming them with flower garlands.

'Over the next four and a half weeks, we got to know these faces and personalities well and, having been unsure of what to expect of these orphans and the atmosphere of such a place, we were pleasantly surprised to find maybe the happiest group of people we have ever met.'

Katherine said the happy environment of the children meant it was easy to forget the constant financial struggle for the charity.

She added: 'We have returned determined to raise much needed money for this incredible place.

'The marathon is in April — so we'd better get training.'

The pair will be making a return visit to India next August.

They will be running the Paris Marathon on Sunday, April 11.

Anyone who would like to sponsor their challenge for the Trust home should contact Katherine on [email protected]">[email protected]