A MOTHER-of-four will pound the streets of London after her friend’s daughter was born unable to swallow.

Laura Singleton, 31, is aiming to complete the London Marathon in April to raise money for TOFS, a charity which supports people with the problem.

Billington resident Laura has been in training for several months and is aiming to raise £1,500 for the charity after being inspired by her friend Kay Leech and her five-year-old daughter Harriet, from Mellor.

Harriet was born with tracheoesophageal fistula and oesophageal atresia which means her oesophagus and trachea are attached, and the oesophagus is not correctly connected to the stomach.

She has undergone surgery but still has difficulties with feeding.

Laura has organised two fundraising events to add to the £442 she has raised so far, including an 80-hour fancy dress spinning marathon by gym, sports and beauty staff at Oakhill Academy in Whalley, running until Sunday.

She is also planning a family fun day at the De Lacy pub in Whalley on February 23.

She said: “Not too long ago I never thought I would be able to run to the end of the street, let alone take on a marathon.

“My target is £1,500 and I have been so inspired by my friend’s story and what her family have been through.

“It’s an amazing charity to support and has a real personal edge.”

Diane Stephens, TOFS office manager, said: “We are delighted that Laura is running for TOFS.”

“We are a non-government funded charity that supports the families of children and adults born unable to swallow because they have been affected by Tracheoesophageal Fistula and/or Oesophageal Atresia.

“It affects around one in 3,500 births and babies need prompt surgery.

“Though the conditions are usually repairable, patients may often suffer from respiratory and feeding problems all through childhood.”