These days it seems like everyone’s twittering about Twitter, and in this new weekly column we delve behind the stories of some of our favourite Shropshire tweeters to find out more about them.

This week we meet an inspirational woman from Astlerley, near Minsterley, who’s bid to become fit has led her to take part in one of the most famous marathons in the world.

It all started when Emma Humphries, a mum-of-two and part time pharmacist, joined the gym at Rowton Castle Country Club near Shrewsbury.

The club were holding a triathlon event for members and Emma decided to give it a go.

“We had to do a short swim, a short cycle and a short run. I was alright with swimming and cycling, but I really struggled with the running and I couldn’t finish the three-mile lap.” says Emma.

“A friend at the club, who had run a few marathons, encouraged me to start running around the track to build up my fitness and strength, so I started training regularly, adding another lap on each run, until I made the full three miles.”

The same friend persuaded Emma to join her in running the Stafford Half Marathon in March, an experience which fuelled Emma’s interest in the sport even further.

“I’m not a natural runner and it wasn’t easy. My legs were aching and I was really tired, but somehow, seeing the crowds watching the race spurred me on to complete the 13 miles – it was a fantastic sense of achievement.

Emma began running in the countryside near her home so she could cover greater distances than on the track, and regularly tackles the steep Shropshire hills in her training.

“There’s a hill near my house which I run up and down eight times in a row!” she says.

“Sometimes I feel absolutely shattered and just don’t feel up to it, but after a few minutes your body seems to get adjust to it and you feel OK.”

Her family is a good source of support and inspiration too – her husband accompanies her on her 12-14 mile runs each Sunday on his bike, while her uncle, a marathon veteran who lives in Northampton, has encouraged her to take part in bigger events.

“We ran the Milton Keynes marathon together a few weeks ago, which was great, and after that we decided to go for the London Marathon.”

Emma applied for a charity place to run for her chosen charity, Children with Leukemia, but found competition incredibly tough.

“With a lot of charity’s, you have to raise £3,000 in order to compete and even then it’s very hard to get into.”

Her chosen charity suggested she tried the New York City Marathon instead, as there was no minimum fundraising amount to take part. Emma quickly applied and was delighted to be accepted for the event.

On November 1st, she’ll join 30,000 other runners on a course from the starting point at Staten Island across the Verrazano-Narrows bridge into Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, and finishing in Manhatten’s famous Central Park.

It wont be easy – winter temperatures are below freezing and participants have even been advised to bring sleeping bags along – but Emma says the amazing sites along the route and the city’s fantastic atmosphere will make it easier.

“It’s also a good excuse for some Christmas shopping! If I’m going to push myself to the limit, I want it to be as enjoyable as possible.”

And she won’t be alone. Her uncle will be running the race with her, as well as her brother, who lives in Florida, while her husband and other family members will be with her for moral support.

“My aim is to raise £1,500 for the charity, and to help raise funds I’m organising a Casino Night at Rowton Castle Country Club on 3rd October, where we’ve got a firm of croupiers coming to run blackjack and roulette tables.”

“We’re also auctioning off some great prizes, like white water rafting vouchers from Lake Bala, a tennis ball signed by Venus and Serena Williams and an England shirt signed by Beckham and Scholes.

But for now, Emma’s concentrating on getting into peak condition for the marathon.

“I don’t suppose I’ll be able to walk for a few days afterwards, but it’ll be worth it!”

• Follow Emma’s adventures on Twitter – follow her on @scrumpyhumpy.
• To sponsor Emma on her marathon, visit www.bemycharity.com/justkeeprunningemma
• Tickets for the Casino Night are priced £10 and can be purchased from the bar at Rowton Castle Country Club, near Shrewsbury.

By Lara Page