MUM Louisa Franzen will be running the London Marathon with a childhood friend to raise money for the charity Spinal Research.

Louisa, 30, from Charminster, will be completing the 26-mile challenge on April 25 with Debbie King, 29, from Wimborne, who she has been friends with since the age of four.

A tragic diving accident has left Debbie’s partner Tom Harper paralysed from the neck and so the friends chose to run for Spinal Research because it specialises in finding ways to repair spinal cord injuries and reverse paralysis.

Debbie will also be celebrating her 30th birthday on the day of the marathon and Louisa said she wanted to take part in the run with her friend as a way of showing her support.

Louisa said: “Debbie and I have been friends since we were four years old and when she told me she wanted to do the marathon, I said that I wanted to do it with her.

“Tom has been left paralysed after a diving accident eight years ago when he was 24.

“He is also a good friend of mine because we all grew up together.

“He and Debbie met when they were 13 – they’re real childhood sweethearts.

“She has stuck by him and been absolutely amazing since the accident. It could have pushed them apart but instead it has made them closer.

“By raising money for Spinal Research we can help fight paralysis and help people to walk again.

“This is my way of supporting her and Tom and helping other people in a similar situation.”

Louisa added that she and her friend have been training hard for the marathon.

The mum-of-two said: “This will be the first marathon for both of us.

“Debbie recently ran 10 miles for the Great South Run and we have both taken part in a few other races recently.

Debbie has already raised her target of £2,000 and Louisa has raised £1,300 towards her £1,600 target.

To sponsor Louisa visit the website justgiving.com/louisa-franzen