A DARWEN woman who took up running because she "didn't want to be fat and 50" will be competing in the Blackpool Marathon in aid of Derian House.

Beryl Thomas, 57, of Hesketh Close, Darwen, has twice run the London Marathon and has raised thousands for charity.

On April 27 she hopes to complete the Blackpool marathon in under four hours.

She chose to raise funds for Derian House, near Chorley, after her niece, Lauren Worthington from Devon died at home after succumbing to liver cancer last April just days after her 18th birthday.

She said: "It's a very worthwhile cause, so if anyone wants to sponsor me, it would be appreciated.

"I don't have a total in mind but any amount I raise would be great."

If anybody is interested in sponsoring Beryl, contact her on 01254 705263 or email her on ktwinz@ hotmail.com.