A local man will run the London Marathon tomorrow (April 23) on behalf of his sister, who is battling a rare form of cancer.

Luke Cudby, from Heybridge, has already smashed his fundraising target – with over £3,800 of donations for Sarcoma UK, a national bone and soft tissue cancer charity.

Luke's girlfriend is the granddaughter of former Maldon District Councillors Brenda and Bryan Harker, who are supporting his fundraising activity.

Mrs Harker told Nub News: "Luke's sister, who has two young children, has Sarcoma. It is a rare cancer that does not get the sort of funding other cancer charities get.

"Luke is anxious to raise the profile of Sarcoma UK, which is why he is running the London Marathon, as they have been very supportive of his sister."

In August last year, 35-year-old Lianna was diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma, found via a lump in her leg. She is undergoing treatment at The Royal Marsden and Colchester General hospitals.

On his JustGiving page, Luke said: "Her courage and positive attitude to fighting this illness is incredible. In fact, her optimism is what has inspired me to take on this challenge."

In February, staff at Tesco Maldon held a charity bake sale on behalf of their 19-year-old colleague, Jonny Hughes, who is also battling a form of sarcoma. The event raised over £2,300 for Sarcoma UK.

Last October, a father of three from Maldon raised £2,695 for Farleigh Hospice when he completed the London Marathon.

Donate to Luke's fundraiser via his JustGiving page.

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