A MIDWIFE is gearing up to run the London Marathon in memory of her grandmother.

Kate Greenwood, of Welland, near Malvern, will take on the 26.2 mile challenge on April 21 in a bid to raise £2,000 for the Stroke Association.

The 27-year-old said: “I was only 11 when my grandmother had a stroke and her death had a big impression on my childhood as we were very close.

“I really enjoy running, so taking part in the London Marathon feels like a great way to honour her memory.

“I’d also like to help raise funds for a very important cause. During my training as a nurse, I regularly worked with stroke survivors.

“I hope to raise as much as I can to improve the lives of people living with the effects of stroke, as well as those of their families and carers.”

Dorothy Jones, regional fund-raising manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Kate is truly going the extra mile for the Stroke Association and we can’t wait to cheer her along.

“Without the efforts of fund-raisers like Kate we would not be able to support the 11,000 people who have a stroke in the West Midlands each year, as well as their families and carers.”

The charity works with stroke survivors and their families and carers, health and social care professionals and scientists and researchers.

It campaigns to improve stroke care and helps people to make the best recovery they can, as well as funding research to develop new treatments.

To sponsor Miss Greenwood, go to virginmoneygiving.com/KateGreenwood1.