A TEENAGER whose life has been transformed by the work of a youth charity will run dozens of miles and fall thousands of feet as a way of saying thank you.

Hannah Trickey, 19, who is a student at Swindon College, will be running six half marathons and a 100k run and taking part in a skydive to raise funds for Inner Flame.

The charity, which aims to inspire young people, helped Hannah when she need it most.

Hannah, of the town centre, said: “I lacked confidence and I suffered with a lack of motivation. They got me through it and helped me through what was a rough patch in 2011.

“I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do and I didn’t really want to interact with groups.

“They really changed things for me. I have got my life back on track now.”

Inner Flame delivers training to help unleash the potential in young people, helping them to become the person they aspire to being, and to achieve what they want in life.

They do this by involving young people in challenging activities, getting them to work with skilled instructors at established centres, encouraging team working, and giving one-to-one coaching.

They also get the young people practising new skills, and get them to meet inspirational speakers who have overcome difficulties and achieved success.

Hannah took part in a four-day residential trip when she was 17.

She now volunteers in the office doing administration work and managing events, as well as studying sport at Swindon College.

Hannah, who is hoping to raise £2,000, will be taking part in half marathons in Malmesbury, Swindon, Bath and either Bristol or Reading.

She will take part in a 100k run from London to Brighton and also plans to take part in the events in Swindon and Malmesbury again next year.

Hannah is also organising a tandem skydive to raise further funds.

“I am so excited to be doing it. Inner Flame has changed my attitude, I would never have thought about doing this challenge before. Now I am more determined and more up for doing things,” she said.

To sponsor Hannah, visit the site www.hannahsrunningjump.

wordpress.com.

For information on Inner Flame visit www.innerflame.org.uk