A WOMAN from Hartley Wintney will be running the London Marathon this weekend in aid of a prominent cancer research charity.

Ruth Freckleton, 36, will be running the race on Sunday to raise money for the World Cancer Research Fund.

The IT service delivery manager has already run the race before in 2015, which she also took on in support of cancer research.

Ruth said: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, mentally and physically.

“However, it was also the most amazing experience.

“I always said one marathon was enough for me, yet here I am again.

“Although I am finding the longer training runs quite gruelling, at least I know what to expect this time, and there’s no doubt, the crowds at the London Marathon make a massive difference, encouraging you every step of the way.”

Ruth lost her mother 12 years ago to cancer, while both sets of her grandparents died from different forms of the disease, and more recently her uncle has been affected by it.

She said she will be running in honour of all of these family members them this coming Sunday.

The 36-year-old added: “I’m inspired and determined to support World Cancer Research Fund, because raising money and awareness for cancer research work is very important to me.

“My family, sadly like so many others, has been affected so much by this cruel disease.

“I can’t sit back and do nothing.

“This is my little contribution to the amazing work of the World Cancer Research Fund.”

About Ruth’s efforts, Gerard Cousins, director of fundraising at World Cancer Research Fund, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ruth for her fantastic support.

“It’s thanks to the amazing efforts of people like Ruth that we can continue to help the public make more informed lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of cancer.”

To donate to Ruth’s marathon cause, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/ruth-freckleton