A Walton-on-Thames resident will run the London Marathon a brain tumour charity after losing a family member and close friend to the disease.

Joanna Davis, 32, is already in training for this year's race, scheduled for Sunday April 28.

She hopes to raise £3,000 for Brain Tumour Research and raise awareness about the type of cancer responsible for more deaths in children and adults under the age of 40 than any other.

Joanna lost her grandmother, Madeleine Martin of Walton-on-Thames, fifteen years ago. A brain tumour also claimed the life of Joanna's school friend, Carlos Nunes, who she studied with at Salesian School in Chertsey.

Joanna, who works in recruitment, said: "I've seen first-hand how devastating a brain tumour diagnosis can be and I hope that, by signing up to run the marathon, I inspire others to fundraise for this vital cause. I completed the Paris marathon last year and now I'm hoping to smash my personal best and raise as much as I can. I will be thinking of my nan and Carlos every step of the way."

While in training, the Walton-on-Thames resident set up her own running club in the local community: ‘5k Wednesday’. Now in its third week, the group is attended by up to 30 runners of all ages and abilities.

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated Research Centres of Excellence in the UK. The charity is calling for an annual spend of £35m in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.

To donate to Joanna’s JustGiving page go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/JoJo-Davis