Ruth Duckworth runs the London Marathon for charity

Mar 19 2008 Submitted by Ruth Duckworth

RUTH Duckworth will be hitting the streets to raise money for charity as she takes part in the London Marathon.

Ruth, aged 27, from Redditch, put her name down for the gruelling 26 mile race after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She will raise money for cancer reasearch and also guide dogs for the blind.

Ruth said: "I wasnt a runner at all, although I did actually swin for Bham, but three years ago my mom had cancer, so now I am devoted to raising money for breast cancer and guide dogs.

"I chose guide dogs purely for my best mate, he's my totally insane two-year-old yellow labrador. His brother and sister were picked for guide dogs as well as his aunties too. He was just a bit too enthusiastic!

"I got him while my mom was having treatment and he got me through.  One of my team mates, Blind Dave, is running seven marathons in seven continents, and he's totally blind, and there's me going to struggle doing one. So to be on his team feels amazing.

"However my fiance's Grandad is blind also, and while he hasn't a guide dog, he copes fairly well, it just makes you realise how much you take little things for granted and are very lucky."

Ruth can be sponsored via her sponsor page at www.justgiving.com/ruthduckworth81 or by going to www.guidedogs.org