A West Kilbride foster mum is running a marathon because she wants to be a positive influence on her children.

Sonya Hughes is taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Run to inspire her kids to lead active lives.

With a granddaughter from her 28-year-old daughter, an adopted 18-year-old son and four long-term foster children under 15, running also gives Sonya some much needed headspace in her busy life.

The 46-year-old said: “When we started fostering 17 years ago, me and my husband were the youngest foster carers in North Ayrshire. It sounds like a cliché, but we wanted to give underprivileged children an opportunity to see there is another life out there if you want it, and that we could help them get there.

“We have a very busy house, so you need time to yourself and I like to run – it really relaxes me.

“For one of our children, doctors advised they would never be able to do things like ride a bike, but just getting them out in the fresh air to exercise has made a huge difference to their life.

“They go horse-riding every week, they can ride their bike and a whole host of other things the medical profession said they wouldn’t be able to do. It’s amazing, I get goose bumps every time I think about it.

“For another one of our children, who struggles emotionally, pushing them into running and sport allows them to express their emotions, burn off energy and deal with negative feelings in a constructive way.

“It shows them all they can do whatever they want to do and be whoever they want to be.

“These were kids who didn’t used to be active, so as a family we go on long walks and try and encourage them to do a little bit every day.

“Training for this marathon, the kids see that’s it’s been hard for me and they laugh when I complain, but they also see how I feel at the end of it. It gives them that feeling that you really can do whatever you want to do.”

The Simplyhealth Great Stirling Run takes place on Sunday, April 28.

Visit greatrun.org/stirling for more information or to enter.