A teacher is training for the London Marathon to raise funds for child cancer patients.

Gayle Doulton, from Southampton Hospital School, hopes to generate donations for Young Lives vs Cancer, the top UK charity for children affected by the disease.

Every day, 12 more children in the UK receive a frightful cancer diagnosis, creating fear and potential financial struggles for families.

Young Lives vs Cancer offers invaluable support to patients aged 0-25 and their families, helping them withstand the challenges posed by cancer.

The charity's services include expert social workers, free family accommodation near the hospital, and grants to mitigate the costs of cancer.

Ms Doulton said: "Cancer has had a huge impact on my family over the years and supporting other families is something I am passionate about.

"At the hospital I work with children and families going through their cancer journey, whether it be at the beginning, going through gruelling treatment or towards the end of treatment and going back home to continue their childhood. Very sadly there are also children who don't get the future they deserve.

"I see such resilience and warmth in the children and families, it amazes me every day. It is an absolute pleasure to run London Marathon to support this great charity where I can see the positive impact for families receiving support from Young Lives vs Cancer."

Sophie Hartley, Mass Participation Events Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: "We can’t thank Gayle enough for her amazing efforts, taking on the challenge of a lifetime for Young Lives vs Cancer. For every blister Gayle has encountered and all the running and training she has done, we are in awe of her dedication and determination.

"We’d love to see the community get behind a final push for Gayle’s fundraising. We can’t wait to cheer on Gayle and Team Young Lives all the way to the finish line."

To sponsor Gayle and her London Marathon effort, go to 2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/gayle-doulton.  For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer’s work, visit younglivesvscancer.org.uk