A STUDENT from Yate is running the London Marathon next month to honour two of her relatives who passed away from the same disease within six weeks of each other.

Georgia James, 18, wants to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer, a condition that devastated her family and prompted them to set up the national charity Target Ovarian Cancer.

Tragic circumstances in 2005 meant that both Georgia's aunt and grandmother lost their lives to the disease, following long and difficult battles. 

By completing the race next month, the Yate teen hopes to raise £3,000 for her family's ovarian cancer charity, and is well on her way thanks to successes at the 2016 Plymouth and Chippenham half-marathons.

“I feel a bit daunted because 26 miles is such a long way, but I am confident that I can do it,” said Georgia, who works in the Royal Oak in Chipping Sodbury whilst studying media makeup in Swindon.

She added: “I’ve always wanted to do something big for the charity and think that this is a good opportunity.”

Target Ovarian Cancer was set up by Georgia’s aunt Joanna Barker to address the common myth that ovarian cancer is a “silent killer”.

The charity aims to increase education within the GP community about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which include abdominal bloating, persistent pelvic pain and needing to go to the toilet urgently. 

Georgia’s father, David James, 50, had planned to run the marathon alongside her but is now unable to take part due to injury. 

However, this has not stopped the proud dad from supporting Georgia, as he now accompanies her on a bike during weekly training sessions.

He said: “I’m so proud of her efforts and for supporting a charity that is so dear to us.

“It’s so important to raise awareness of Ovarian cancer, because there is a lot of misinformation about the condition.

“The popular idea that it is a silent killer, for example, is completely untrue.

“Like many women, my sister’s road to diagnosis was long and convoluted and she died when she was just 40-years-old.”

"If someone else can be saved, then it's all worth it."

Georgia has been training hard for the event, and hopes to have run a total of 1000 miles by the end of April.

To donate to her fundraiser, visit her Just Giving page.