Former Cromer teacher sprints past London Marathon fundraising target

Lisa Blair, from Aylsham, is running her first ever marathon to raise money for the World Cancer Research fund - a cause very close to her heart and is now making a final fundraising push.

Ms Blair has raised over £3,250, surpassing her original target of £2,000 and is determined to best her husband's total of £4,500 that he raised for Cystic Fibrosis by running the Berlin Marathon.

She is raising money for the charity after her close friend, Michael Beard, was diagonised with cancer.

'I was spurred into action when one of my best friends, who has been combating cancer for years, was diagnosed as terminally ill at the end of last year', she said.

'He has just months to live. Humbled by his bravery and positivity, I wanted to do something to celebrate my health and to contribute in any way I could, to the incredible work of the World Cancer Research Fund.'

Before last autumn, Lisa had never put on a pair of running shoes. Now, with three half marathons under her belt and over 500 training miles, she is providing an inspiration to friends and family to get active.

Husband Seb Blair said: 'I'm so proud of her efforts. Our son Sam is the fitness guru in our house, as he is the Norwich Academy U14s goalkeeper. 'He's been great helping his mum with training, conditioning tips and even nutrition. I'm more of an armchair advisor, but I am chauffeuring her to races.'

Cancer currently affects one in two people in the UK, but thanks to their ground-breaking cancer prevention research, the World Cancer Research Fund know that about a third of the most common cancer cases could be prevented through eating a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. That's around 80,000 of us every year who would never have to go through the devastation of a cancer diagnosis.

If you would like to support Lisa on her journey, you can donate through www.virginmoneygiving.com