A woman from Ongar is taking on the challenge of the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, pounding the streets to raise vital funds for Diabetes UK.

Cheryl Fry, 32, of Rodney Road, is running the marathon with Team Diabetes UK in memory of her sister-in-law who died from diabetes related complications aged just 24.

All Diabetes UK runners will receive fundraising and training advice, crazy hair and a personalized Diabetes UK running top.

After crossing the finish line, Team Diabetes UK runners will be invited to the post-event Cool Down Party, where massage therapists will be on hand to ease those aching muscles.

Cheryl and her fellow Team Diabetes UK runners will be cheered on as they reach 12 and 24 miles to give them some extra encouragement on their journey towards the finish line.

The owner of the Ongar DIY store and mother of three hopes to raise more than £1,000 with the support of family, friends and customers.

Cheryl, who also plays netball for Ongar Ladies, said: “My partner of 17 years lost his sister in 2002 after she passed away in her sleep.

"She was only 24 and although lived with Type 1 diabetes, she was fit and healthy and managed her condition well.

"I just want to help raise awareness about the condition and help to raise money for more research.

“Along with massive support from my friends and family for this challenge I’d particularly like to thank many of the businesses in Ongar for their kind donations.”

Anna Schlerf, Diabetes UK Fundraising Events Manager, said: “Running the Virgin Money London Marathon is a major achievement for anyone and requires a large amount of time and commitment.

"We are really grateful for Cheryl’s fundraising efforts, and wish her the very best of luck.

“Diabetes is a serious life-long health condition that affects 3.8 million people in the UK, including an extra 630,000 who have Type 2 diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed.

"Diabetes, if not properly managed, can lead to serious complications such as blindness, kidney failure and amputation.

“The funds raised by Cheryl will help us to support people living with diabetes and to raise awareness among those who have not yet been diagnosed.

"This is crucial to giving people with diabetes the best possible chances of living long and healthy lives”.

To sponsor Cheryl visit www.justgiving.com/cheryl-fry/ and to find out more about running the Virgin Money London Marathon for Diabetes UK visit http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Get_involved/Fundraising-events/Virgin-Money-London-Marathon/London-Marathon/

Diabetes UK is still looking for runners to join the team, who have their own place in the event but have not yet chosen which charity to support. Contact the Fundraising Events team on 0345 123 2399 or email events.fundraising@diabetes.org.uk