A WOMAN whose friend lost her three-year-old daughter to leukaemia, is running the London Marathon to raise cash for a cancer charity. Maria Saunderson, of Bentry Road, Dagenham, will take part in the gruelling 26.2 mile run around the capital in April.

A WOMAN whose friend lost her three-year-old daughter to leukaemia, is running the London Marathon to raise cash for a cancer charity.

Maria Saunderson, of Bentry Road, Dagenham, will take part in the gruelling 26.2 mile run around the capital in April.

The 27-year-old nursery nurse is hoping to raise at least �2,000 for Children with Leukaemia, a charity based at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Maria told the POST why running in aid of the organisation was so important to her: "Cancer has affected a lot of people close to me.

"I have a friend whose three-year-old daughter died of leukaemia, I lost both my grandparents to cancer, and my dad had cancer eight years ago. By doing this I really hope I can help raise awareness about the illness."

Through sponsorship from friends and colleagues Maria has raised �500 so far, and is determined to reach her target figure before the race in 11 weeks' time.

And of course there's also the physical preparation to get her body ship-shape for the big day.

"I joined a running club last year and practice with them, but I've been running a lot on my own as well. I've never done a marathon before, but it's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I'm really excited about it, though I'm nervous too."

If you would like to sponsor Maria call her on 07738160648.