One of the familiar faces running the Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon this Sunday is BBC journalist Nick Lawrence.

Mr Lawrence, who lives near Eaton, has been inspired to take on his first half marathon after his partner of more than eight years, Diane Hare, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Miss Hare, 46, is battling well against the disease and currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

The ordeal has led Mr Lawrence, 45, to Norwich charity Nelson's Journey, which cares for bereaved children. He is hoping to raise �500 for the charity through his efforts on Sunday, having already raised �125, saying: 'My partner is currently fighting breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. The diagnosis brought very sharply into focus the important service offered by Nelson's journey to bereaved children.

'In my professional life I frequently try to raise awareness of, and tell stories about, marginalised communities, organisations, and individuals. Fundraising for Nelson's Journey seemed a natural choice.'

Currently the producer of the BBCs Inside Out programme, Mr Lawrence has had a variety of high profile roles over the years, including three years as a reporter for Watchdog.

He added: 'The longest I've ran before was about 12 or 13 miles when I was about 18, but it wasn't an official race. I've put a lot of training in over the last six weeks and I want to be below two hours.'

As part of his fundraising campaign Mr Lawrence created a short film which features Becky, a child supported by Nelson's Journey.

Nicki Gibson, marketing and fundraising officer for Nelson's Journey, added: 'We are very grateful to Nick for choosing Nelson's Journey and running the Norwich half marathon to raise valuable funds for us.

'We would also like to thank Becky for her continued work in helping Nelson's Journey to support more bereaved children living in Norfolk.'

- Are you raising money for charity? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk