A COMMITTED Kidderminster fundraiser will be undertaking her last London Marathon in aid of a cancer charity.

Julie Hardiman will be taking on the 26.2 mile course on Sunday (April 22) as she looks to raise £2,000 for Children with Charity UK.

It will be an extra special marathon for the 50-year-old as she will be running alongside her son Ryan, 22, who is also supporting the charity.

It will be her third London marathon and her 10th 26-miler in total. She said she intends to make it her last.

Julie said: “Being awarded a place is like trying to win on the lottery - it hardly ever happens.

“When I found the magazine that had been posted through my door I really didn't know whether to laugh or cry - I genuinely thought I wouldn't get a place.

“Just two months before I had completed London to Paris on my old, trusty and reliable bike and having thoroughly enjoyed the freedom of travelling around the country I had just invested in a brand, spanking-new bike and was looking forward to exploring more of our country, on two wheels, and venturing over to Europe again.

“The cycling adventure has been put on hold as it would have been rude to turn down the invitation to run the London Marathon and the opportunity to raise some money for Children with Cancer UK.

Training has begun and I can't pretend it has been easy! I am older and work longer hours and at the end of the day, especially the cold winter nights, it was a struggle to go out for a run on the road or even on the treadmill down at DW Fitness - I just wanted to curl up on the sofa like everybody else.

“But I respect the distance and know you have to put the training in.

“Over the years I have made some really lovely, like-minded friends and having someone else to run with really does motivate you. So I thank the friends that have joined me on my journey.

“My son, Ryan, has been awarded a charity place from Children with Cancer UK so Team Hardiman will be chasing each other round the 26.2 mile course.”

People can support her efforts via her donation page at Virginmoneygiving.com/JulieHardiman