Kate McCann's marathon effort for Missing People charity

As the six-year anniversary of her daughter Madeleine's disappearance approaches, Kate McCann is channelling her energy into completing the London Marathon.

She is aiming to raise £10,000 for the Missing People charity.

Writing on her JustGiving website, Kate, of Rothley, described the marathon as a challenge she "had to take".

She wrote: "This year (old, crumbly body allowing) I will be running the London Marathon in aid of missing people.

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"If I'm honest, I would happily have gone through my life without ever contemplating running a marathon, or even a half-marathon for that matter!

"However, knowing what it's like to be living with a child missing and believing very strongly in what the workers at the charity do in helping other families such as mine, I realised it was a challenge that I had to take."

The charity, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, supports families of missing people and helps with searches.

Kate and her husband Gerry have completed 10km runs for the charity in Regent's Park, London, over the past few years.

Kate, 45, said the charity had been a big help to them.

She said: "I can vouch first-hand for the incredible hard work and commitment given by the staff to ease this suffering and help reunite families.

"I'm also aware though of how limited resources are and how much more the charity could, and would, offer with greater funding.

"Together, we can give the charity a bit of a boost and in doing so help the many children and adults who are missing and offer their families some invaluable support.

"It might also make all the aches and pains of training worthwhile!"

The London Marathon will be held on April 21, two weeks before the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance on May 3, 2007.

The youngster went missing from the Ocean Club resort in the seaside village of Praia da Luz, in the Algarve, Portugal, while the family were on holiday.

So far, Kate has raised more than £2,000 towards her £10,000 target, with almost 90 donations.

Commenting on her JustGiving site, sponsor Pat Jordan wrote: "Go Kate, for every mother everywhere. We will never forget or stop looking for your baby. Wish it could be so much more."

Mary Knibbs wrote: "Good luck Kate, hope the weather is kind to all you wonderful, caring people."

Antonia Scott wrote: "You are such a strong woman, living every mother's worst nightmare.

"Keep going for Madeleine and I dearly hope one day soon you get her home."

To sponsor Kate, visit:

www.justgiving.com/ KateMcCann-Marathon