A LOCAL woman is in training for the London Marathon – and is also fundraising for the Thurrock Mind organisation.

Niamh Meehan will be running the marathon on 21 April in memory of her mum Maria, who was cared for by St Luke's Hospice before her death through cancer three years ago.

But she also has a wider message.

Niamh explains: "I am passionate about letting people know I am not only running the marathon in memory if my mother but also for all young people that have experienced the loss of a parent.

"But although the marathon is in April, my partner and I along with our clients are completing a 24 hour bike and ski charity event in March.

"This will be held in our gym in Langdon Hills called Proven Gym, this will be in aid of Thurrock Mind."

Niamh also told what happened to her mum, saying: "My mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. At first it was treatable but unfortunately in 2020 we were told there was nothing more they could do, and mum started to receive hospice care.

"The carers at St Luke's Hospice were absolutely amazing, and became like family to us at such a difficult time. Not only did they help us care for mum, they also took time to ensure we were still looking after ourselves and even provided us with further support in the years after mum passed.

"Mum's only wish was that she passed at home with her family around her and St Luke's made that possible.

"I am amazed at how little funding St Luke's Hospice receives from the government considering the level of care patients receive old and young. It relies almost entirely on public generosity and people like me, crazy enough to run a marathon with no running experience!

"If mum was here today listening to me say I will be running the London Marathon she would laugh and tell me I'm an eejit… so, this is for you mum."

If you would like to support Niamh visit her fundrasing page via this link.