A COUPLE from Darwen are running the London Marathon on Sunday for a diabetes charity after a relative died from the condition.

Joanne Farley, 33, and Tony Farley, 39, of Minster Crescent, are running for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to raise funds for research into the condition after the death of Joanne's cousin Michael Dexter.

Michael died 15 years ago at the age of 32 after falling into a diabetic coma.

He was diagnosed with condition in his early teens and was found dead in his bed at his home in Leicester by his brother Jeffrey.

It is believed he had not taken his insulin.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not properly control the amount of sugar in the blood.

Joanne, who works as a book keeper for PM&M chartered accountants, said: "Because there was a link with the family it seemed appropriate to do it for Juvenile Diabetes.

"My mum's sister, Brenda, has a couple of children with diabetes and I lost a cousin to diabetes 15 years ago. He wasn't ill. His sugars got low and he slipped into a diabetic coma."

Joanne said: "We are trying to increase awareness and the charity does a lot of research finding a cure for diabetes."

Joanne's mum, Sandra Skelton, 60, of Dukes Drive, Hoddlesden, said: "We were devastated when it happened. He was so young. It was a tragedy for the whole family.

"I think it is absolutely brilliant of the pair of them.

"Joanne didn't need prompting about running for diabetes. I'm really proud of her. She is dedicated to this and has been training hard.

"They have been doing 20-mile runs around Blackburn and Darwen and Joanne has been going to the gym three times a week." The couple have already collected over £4,000, most of which was raised at a dinner and auction at Blackburn Rugby Club on February 16.