A WOMAN who was first diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago is gearing up to run the London Marathon.

Yvonne West, 66, from Andover, will be raising funds for Leukaemia Care, a national blood cancer charity.

Yvonne was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2007 and now wants to help others with the disease.

“I have always had a desire to help those who are suffering more than me with the disease,” she said.

“I appreciate how life-changing it can be and, whilst I’m in good health at the moment, there’s no better time to push myself and get to the finish of the London Marathon.”

Yvonne has been busy in the gym as she prepares herself to tackle the 26.2-mile course.

“I intend to pace myself slowly but surely,” she added.

“I go to the gym to undertake muscle strengthening exercises, Pilates, swim and have physio treatment each week.”

So far Yvonne has raised £800 of her £2,350 target. To donate go to justgiving.com/fundraising/yvonne-londonmarathon.