A SWINDON singer will be hoping to make tracks of a different kind when she takes on the London Marathon in aid of a children’s charity later this year.

Liz Morphew, 28, who goes by the stage name Queen of Hearts, will be running the 26.2 miles to raise money for Rays of Sunshine, a charity that grants wishes for children with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

“I’m really proud to be running for Rays of Sunshine, this is something I’ve become quite passionate about," said Liz.

“I have a friend who works for them and I’ve heard first-hand about some of the amazing things they do.”

Liz grew up in West Swindon where her singing talents were discovered at the age of ten by Janice Thompson, director of the Janice Thompson Performance Trust and Liz went on to perform with her concert choir in the town.

She attended St Joseph's School and New College before moving to London to study music where she released her debut EP ‘The Arrival’ in 2011 and signed with a record label.

In 2013 Liz made a triumphant return to Swindon as Queen of Hearts when she was billed alongside X Factor runner-up Jahmene Douglas at the Best of Swindon Concert at the Oasis.

The following year she released her full debut album Cocoon and went on an international tour that took her to the US, Spain and Asia.

The decision to take on a marathon may be a daunting prospect for many but it is something Liz has wanted to do for many years.

“I have wanted to do it for a long time and this year I applied through Rays of Sunshine and was lucky enough to get a place.

“Although I’ve run a 10K for charity before, this is definitely a new challenge, I’m a trained yoga teacher and I’ve always been into sport so I’m hoping that helps.

“I’m quite a late starter in terms of training, I’ve really just got going in the last few weeks. The main thing now is not to get injured so close to the marathon.”

Liz has a minimum fundraising goal of £2,500 but she is hoping that she may be able to raise even more.

She said: “£2,500 is my target but if it’s possible then I’d love to raise double that.

“I’m planning to put on a gig and I want to see if I can invite some of the kids, or at least the parents, to come along to it.

“I’m trying to be as involved as possible in the cause and not just simply raise the money.”

In recent years Rays of Sunshine have sent sick children to Euro Disney, arranged for them to meet mermaids, swim with dolphins, be a princess or a fireman for the day as well as introducing them to their favourite celebrities.

Liz hopes the money she raises will go some way to making more of those trips a possibility.

A fundraising page has been set up at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RunLizzyRUN