The former Clifton resident will be making a special homecoming this Autumn to compete in the 13-mile race for charity, despite suffering a crippling joint condition.

Miss Strachan, 25, has Hypermobility Syndrome and requires frequent physiotherapy to keep on top of the problem.

But as a keen jogger and gym member she can't wait to hit the streets of Tyneside.

"It is the first time I have done the Run," she said.

"I was sitting at home last year watching it on television and thought it looked like fun.

"I've got a condition with my joints which, if left untreated, is degenerative. I'm having physiotherapy and getting a lot better so I really wanted a proper challenge to see what I can do when I put my mind to it.

"My family and friends think I'm mad. They are very supportive though and are more than happy to sponsor me. None wanted to do the Run with me, but as long as I know my parents and boyfriend will be waiting at the end, that gives me something to aim towards."

The former Dame Allan's pupil, who is the daughter of former Northumbria Police Chief Constable Crispian Strachan and Stannington Parish councillor Denise Strachan, is training three times a week to prepare her for the event and will be raising funds for the St John Ambulance.

"I have been to lots of events where the St John Ambulance has been providing First Aid. They are a lovely bunch of people and they do a fantastic job," she said.

Miss Strachan left her Castle Morpeth home for London when she gained a post at the Foreign Office, working as a diplomat.

She has always been interested in the work and studied politics at Durham University, but it was when she took a holiday job in America that she made up her mind to go into the field.

"I did an internship at Congress in the United States and was looked after really well by the British Embassy," she said.

"I really enjoyed living overseas, living in a different culture and meeting new people, and I loved the British Embassy in Washington. It is beautiful and throws fantastic parties. I thought it would be an interesting life to do this work, and I do get to go to some interesting parties.

"The job is really exciting and it is doing something useful, making a difference."

In the past year Miss Strachan has been to countries as diverse as Bangladesh, Yemen, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates and last year she met a Morpethian while in Buenos Aires.

Her overseas postings so far have been for short periods of a week or two, but soon she will be given a three-year placement.

However, she still hopes to make regular visits to Clifton to catch up with family and friends.

"I do try to get back home as much as I can because I really do miss it," she said.

"I absolutely love travelling, but it is always nice to have somewhere to come home to."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Miss Strachan's run can visit www.justgiving.com/lydiastrachan