The Bishop of Salisbury's personal assistant will be running the London Marathon as a 'Sally Army Strider'. 

Melanie Davies, who works for Rt Rev Stephen Lake, is raising funds for the Salisbury Salvation Army Centre.

Melanie visited the centre on Salt Lane and met with the volunteers who run its charity shop, Re-Cycles “pre-loved” bikes project and its “Drop in” facility for people who are homeless or finding life difficult.

Captain Martin Davison, leader of Salisbury Salvation Army, said: “It’s so good for a member of another church to be supporting us in this way. It’s great that churches can work together and recognise the different work each other do in supporting and enhancing the well-being of our shared community. We are particularly grateful to Mel’s boss, Bishop Stephen Lake, for helping publicise this event and giving Mel his backing.”

Mel has created a JustGiving page for her endeavour and all funds raised will stay in the Salisbury Community.

For those wanting to follow Mel’s running progress, there will be a link available on the day of the marathon and she will be wearing a special "Sally Army Striders" vest.