A Medway mum who is taking part in this year’s London Marathon has been training with the young royals.

Melanie Smith, 44, from Rainham, is running to raise money for Place2be, one of seven charities supporting the Heads Together campaign.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in a bid to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Mrs Smith shared a training session with the young royals at the Copper Box Arena in the Olympic Park, Stratford.

She said: “They spoke about mental health and completed their own relay which Prince Harry won after lots of horseplay at the start of the race between the brothers.

“It was clear to see the loving connection between William and Kate as they spoke to us all.

“I was so star-struck I was taking lots of photos when Kate came over and asked me how my training was coming along, she was so friendly and interested in why I had chosen to run for Place2be.

“William shook my hand and was jesting about how him and Harry are typical brothers, teasing each other.”

Mrs Smith was also able to train with athletes Paula Radcliffe and Iwan Thomas, who gave advice about running, nutrition and training.

Heads Together is the charity of the year for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, April 23 and brings together charity partners that have achieved great progress in tackling stigma, raising awareness and providing help for people with mental health problems.

Mrs Smith chose to support Place2be because she said it had a positive impact on her children’s lives when they were primary school age. Her children are Chloe, 20, and son Dan, 19.

Mrs Smith said: “We all experience pressure to our mental health during our lives.

“It is OK to not always be OK, and the more we understand that, and the more we talk about that, the better we can help each other.

“I ran my first half marathon this year in Paddock Wood, trained hard and am totally proud that I managed to secure a place in the marathon on my very first attempt.”

Mrs Smith is hoping to raise £3,000 and will be getting support from pupils and staff at Hempstead Infants and Junior schools, who are staging a tag day this month to help with her efforts. She will also be packing bags at her local supermarket.

To help Mrs Smith reach her target, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Melsmith1432