A MUM-OF-TWO is attempting to become the fastest ‘witch’ in the world to run a marathon next weekend.

Nicola Nuttall, from Barrowford, will don a witch’s dress, cape, hat and broom as she attempts to set a Guinness World Record when she takes part in the London Marathon.

The 47-year-old, who runs Giddy Kippers Party and Play Centre in Nelson, is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of her grandfather who died from the disease 10 years ago.

There is no world record for the fastest woman dressed as a witch, but the Trawden Athletic Club member will have to complete the race in under four hours.

Mrs Nuttall said she has had a lot of support from her friends and family.

She said: “I chose the witch fancy dress because of the strong Pendle connection and its amazing history.

“It is a lot harder to run in fancy dress than you realise, I think the broom will have a big effect towards the end.

“I have lost count how many times people have told me the broom will make me go faster, but sadly I cannot just hop in it and fly to the finish line.

“I ran the Manchester Marathon recently and recorded a personal best of just more than three hours.”

Mrs Nuttall has taken part in 15 marathons previously, including the New York, Boston, Berlin and Tokyo and has raised more than £2,400 for the charity.

She said: “It will be great to set such a silly record.

“I’m hoping it all goes well on the day and everyone can have a big laugh watching me.

“Macmillan helped my family a lot and supported us through the difficult times when my grandfather died.

“That was the impetus behind the fundraising.”

The London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 23.

Hannah Richmond, Macmillan Cancer Support’s East Lancashire fundraising manager, said: “We really appreciate Nicola running the London Marathon to raise funds for Macmillan and help us support people affected by cancer.

“We hope she sets a Guinness World Record for the fastest witch to run a marathon.

“Everyone at Macmillan will be cheering her on every step of the way, and she’ll be hard to miss being dressed as a witch.”

Search ‘Nicola Nuttall’ at uk.virginmoneygiving.com.