A STOURBRIDGE soldier will be putting her life on the line when taking part in a marathon march across the New Mexican desert.

Kelly Gorman, 19, of Wollescote, will join thousands of other military personnel and civilians at the Bataan Death March, a memorial marathon which remembers all those who lost their lives fighting in wars.

Every year ex-military personnel and current soldiers take part in the event to help raise money for SSAFA, which gives support to thousands of people in the forces and their families.

The former Redhill School pupil will be marching for 26 miles on March 22 in the baking North American heat and altitude while wearing full army kit.

“The marathon represents how the soldiers must have felt when they were marching across the desert fighting for us,” she said.

“SSAFA is not a government backed charity like Help for Heroes so it is up to us in the military and civilians to take part in fundraising events like this one to make as much as we can.

“I’m aiming to raise about £500 but fundraising has been quite difficult so far. I am hoping as many people as possible will donate to help SSAFA.”

Kelly, a member of the 47th Regiment Royal Artillery, said she is currently preparing for the march with extra “full kit” training sessions.

She said: “I am doing it as part of a team as it is not something you would attempt on your own as it will be very difficult.

“People who have done it in the past said even after running many marathons before, nothing compares to this one due to the extreme heat and high altitude in full kit.

“To prepare, we have done some extreme training and each morning we have been doing extra 10 miles runs and we will be flying out to America a week before the march to help us acclimatise.”

SSAFA provides support for the members of the armed forces and their families and each year provides for more than 50,000 people.

For more information about the event visit www.bataanmarch.com or to donate to Kelly’s cause visit www.justgiving.com/kellygorman