REACHING for the stars – and her running shoes – is an employee of the European Space Agency as she prepares to tackle the London Marathon.

Margherita Buoso, head of communications at the Harwell Campus, said she was inspired to take up the 26.2 mile challenge after she spent time with British astronaut Major Tim Peake.

The 52-year-old, who is Italian born but now lives in St Hilda's Close, said: "I was working quite closely with Tim during the early part of his mission and I was keeping his agenda for all his media appearances.

"He is a wonderful person, and so down to earth, you could just imagine him as one of your neighbours.

"It was during this time that Tim said he wanted to do the marathon from space and that he wanted to do it on behalf of the Prince's Trust."

Major Peake began training for the London Marathon before he was blasted into space in December.

He will be strapped to a treadmill in space as he completes the gruelling race as part of his experiment to see how the body reacts when you are exposed to microgravity.

Ms Buoso added: "We wanted to show our support and it is a wonderful charity to be running for.

"Tim was adamant that we raise funds for the Prince's Trust and so far I think we have raised about £3,000.

"This challenge will definitely test me as this is the first marathon I will be doing.

"We're Team Astronaut so I think a few people are going to be dressed as astronauts, so we are really trying to get into the spirit of things."

The team from the ESA will join hundreds of thousands of runners from across the country at the start line on Sunday, April 24.

But runners on earth will be able to track Major Peake running with app, runsocial.com/ during the big day.

Ms Buoso added: "It is amazing how running and sports can make people come together."

For more information and to donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamastronaut