A MUM will be running the London Marathon in aid of a charity close to her heart.

Joanna Brett 41, from Dumbleton, decided to raise funds for St Richard's Hospice, before she found out that her mother needed care from the hospice.

Doreen Brett, aged 74 and from Ashton-under-Hill near Evesham, is now being supported by the hospice and receiving regular home visits after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Joanna said: “I am so pleased I decided to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice, particularly now that my mother-in-law has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

"We have been absolutely overwhelmed with the care and support they have provided us with and realise just how much they touch lives such as ours.

"I have complete and total admiration for all the staff and cannot thank them enough. We have now decided that the hospice is going to be our family charity going forward."

Joanna’s fundraising activities have included a coffee morning at Dumbleton Cricket Pavilion where she raised £850 and a ladies get together, which raised £150.

Joanna’s two sons, who both attend Bredon Hill Academy, also held a cake sale at their school, raising £170.

Thirteen St Richard’s Hospice runners will be on the starting blocks this year, raising money for the hospice as well as achieving their personal ambitions of completing the famous marathon.

The runners will join thousands of fellow participants on the starting line in Greenwich Park on Sunday April 23.

Ria Simons, community fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: "We are always heartened to hear of the individual stories that motivate people to nominate St Richard’s as their chosen charity.

"We would like to wish Joanna and all our London Marathon runners the best of luck as race day approaches."

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.

St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it continue its work. Find out more at www.strichards.org.uk.

For further information or to sponsor, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jo-brett2.