A MOTHER and daughter from Chippenham are running the London Marathon for the first time to raise money for Cancer Research.

Summer, 23, and Michelle Clarke, 52, who have run half marathons before, decided to take on a full marathon in honour of Michelle’s father who died from lung cancer five years ago.

Summer said: “My mother and I are running the London Marathon for Cancer Research because my grandad passed away five years ago from lung cancer.

“Since then we have always wanted to give something back because he received a lot of support from the nurses and everyone there. It is obviously a big charity and we thought it was the right choice.”

Her grandfather’s illness not only motivated her to raise money for the charity, but also inspired her to become a nurse.

She said: “When my grandad was in hospital, he had a lot of specialist nurses looking after him and it really inspired me. At the time I was in an ordinary 9-5 job so I looked into training and I ended up at UWE Bristol and in 11 weeks’ time, I will be a qualified nurse."

The duo, who have already completed two half marathons together, have finished their last long run and are awaiting the big day.

Michelle, who works at MoD Lyneham, said: “I am very excited for the big day. I recently did a half marathon in 1.54 and injured the tendon in the back of my leg, so I have only managed 18 miles and been resting and walking since. When next weekend arrives, I’m just going to go for it!

“The charity is really important for me because going through what I went through with my father was horrible. If we could make a difference to someone else’s experience or simply help research into cancer, then that would mean the world to me.”

Currently the duo have raised £2,200 but intend to continue their fundraising efforts with garden parties and barbecues after the marathon to ensure they hit their £5,000 target.

To sponsor the Clarke’s, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Summer-Clarke1.