A keen runner is taking on the London Marathon in honour of the charity who took care of her brother in his last days before he died from a brain tumour.

Laura Hurn, 38, and fellow fitness fanatic Sarah McDean, 46, are running the race in April to raise money for Havens Hospices.

Her brother Adam, spent the final few days of his life at Little Havens Children’s Hospice, before he passed away in 2000, aged just 15.

Ms Hurn said: “It was totally out of the blue. He had lots of different random symptoms.

“He was diagnosed at Gosh in the November, and he died in July.

“He was at home until about a week before he passed away, he wanted to stay at home but he was getting worse and worse.

“They gave him his own room and made his last days peaceful.

“We were able to stay there, be there for Adam and it took away the day to day troubles.”

The Witham duo, who have both run marathons in the past, are hoping to raise £3,200 for the charity between them, and will be organising a series of fundraising events at The Old Pottery Kiln, in Gershwin Boulevard, Witham.

The pub is keen to support similar good causes throughout the coming year and first on the list of fundraisers is an Easter eggstravanganza at the pub on Saturday, March 31, featuring a raffle, games and plenty for all the family to enjoy.

Ms Hurn said: "I am hoping to appeal for anybody who could donate items to help. The more we get, the more money goes to the charity.

"Last year I finished the marathon in just over five hours so this year it would be nice to do it faster than that.

"The day itself was amazing. I cannot wait to go back."

If you can help, email lauraandsarahfundraising@gmail.com.

The duo are hosting a pub quiz at The Old Pottery Kiln on Wednesday, March 14, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 per person.