After applying for a ballot place for five years, Kendle Ford will finally be able to run 26 miles to raise money for Cancer Research in April.

Her aunt, Christine Prime, died seven years ago after doctors found a rare form of the disease on a vein while doing an exploratory camera operation on her chest.

Her grandad, Don Ford, passed away after suffering from bowel cancer.

The 25-year-old has so far completed two 20-mile runs in preparation and says the gruelling workouts have left her " very, very tired and emotional".

However, her mother Patricia and boyfriend Alex Hazel have been on hand to give her support, as well as friends at the Riva pub in Matlock Bath, where she used to work.

She said: "I'm going to be running the race on my own, but my boyfriend and friends are coming to London to cheer me on on the day. I've also completed most of my training on my own, especially as the miles mount up."

Kendle has already raised money for various cancer charities by doing a bungee jump and skydive but says the marathon is her toughest challenge yet.

She said: "Training since October has taken a lot of willpower and perseverance, a lot of pain and tears but also a lot of elation and joy.

"I'm really looking forward to running through the finish line in seven weeks time and collecting my medal, and, of course, the foil blanket."

"Unfortunately I won't be running any Paula Radcliffe record breaking times, as I am quite slow and have been suffering from tendonitis and have had to go to the physio to help with this."

Kendle says she would like to arrange an event like a pub quiz in the village to raise more money.

In the mean time you can sponsor her by going to her webpage, which can be found by clicking here.

The Mercury reported in February that Adam Webster and Zak Hodgkinson, who are also from Tansley, will be running the marathon in memory of Adam's brother Gavin who died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, aged 17.

The race will take place on April 25.