A MOTHER is clocking up the miles as she prepares to celebrate a big birthday.

Jenny Pullen, 39, of Haywards Heath, has taken on the challenge of running 12 half marathons across the UK in as many months to mark her 40th – and to raise funds for international development charity Tearfund.

“I’ll be turning 40 in December and this challenge is a great way for me to celebrate that milestone while raising money for a charity I believe in,” said the part-time physiotherapist.

Jenny is a seasoned runner but this year sees her take on her biggest challenge yet.

She said: “I’ve done marathons and half-marathons before,but nothing quite like this.

“It will be tough to keep my fitness up throughout the year, as I attempt a half-marathon each month.

“It’s also a big time commitment and takes planning to balance training and events with my family and work life.”

She was inspired to raise money for Tearfund when she heard about children dying from malnutrition in Yemen.

Yemen is currently the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis, with more than 24.1 million people urgently needing aid.

One of the poorest countries in the Middle East, Yemen’s civil war has crippled the country’s water, sanitation and health infrastructures.

More than 85,000 children have died from hunger or disease since 2015.

Through its partners, Tearfund is providing conflict-affected families with safe, clean water and hygiene materials to help reduce the risk of illness and disease.

Seeds and tools have also been distributed to help people plant vegetable gardens and emergency food packages are being distributed to vulnerable families.

Tearfund supports mothers like Farah, who was forced to flee her home with her young children when fighting erupted in their village in south west Yemen.

“It was the worst day in my life when I left my house,” said Farah. “I have not seen anything good since that night. I hope to return to my house as soon as possible.”

Learning about Farah’s story, Jenny felt moved to do something in response.

She said: “Hearing of those children in Yemen, it really touched me. My children are a similar age to Farah’s and I couldn’t stop thinking about what I would do if it were my family in that situation.

“Doing these running events for Tearfund means I can give something to those who have so little.”

Just £46 could provide a family like Farah’s with a food basket, containing essential food and cooking items while £70 could provide two families with vital hygiene kits, including soap, toothpaste, sanitary products and nappies.

Jenny hopes others will follow her progress and be inspired to set their own challenges to make a difference.

She added: “I would love people to join me on this journey. Whether it’s just a couple of miles alongside or for several of the runs, we can all get involved and run to beat poverty.”

To find updates on Jenny’s progress, to donate or join her team, visit www.justgiving.com/team/1212hmteam.

For more details about fundraising for Tearfund, visit www.tearfund.org/fundraise.