A mum is set to take on her third half marathon in honour of her mum.

Claire Pond 42, a Defects Manager and Administrator from Stanford-le-Hope will be completing her third Brentwood Half Marathon after taking up running, two years ago.

Claire fulfilled one of her dreams when she completed the Virgin London Marathon last year in memory of her mum Sheila Rozee who was a huge marathon fan and sadly died on April 21, 2013 – the same day as the iconic race.

The mother-of-two will be running the is raising money for Saint Francis Hospice, which cared for her mum before she lost her 13-year battle with cancer.

She said: “My mum absolutely loved the London Marathon: It was the highlight of her year.

“The Hospice at Home team cared for my lovely cousin Zef during her final days and gave incredible support and devotion to Zef and her family.

“Last year I ran the London Marathon in my Mum and Zef’s memory and it gave me great pride to be able to help other people in the same situation. Life is not the same without Mum and Zef; they both loved life.

“It was one of my best days ever and I felt so proud to have done it as it was something I’d always wanted to do.”

The Brentwood Half Marathon helped Claire prepare for the 26.2mile race and this year she will be getting her trainers again, to support the charity that provided her family with the very best specialist end of life care when they needed it the most.

Claire added: “The route takes you through the beautiful Essex countryside and there is such great support along the way with a band playing.

“People come out of their houses to cheer you on and children line up to give you sweets and fruit. “This all really helps to give you a lift and supports you on the day.

“I am in awe of Saint Francis Hospice and I am doing it again to say thank you for what they did for my mum and Zef in their last days.

“You never get over the loss of a parent and loved one and when I was grieving it really helped me to cope and gave me such motivation to challenge myself.

“Considering I could not run two years ago, I have come a long way and I know my family are really proud of me too.”