A sister is to run the London Marathon in memory of her brother, who lost a battle against cancer.

Jackie Briscoe, of Francis Road in Leyton, will run the 26-mile route on April 13 to raise money for World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).  

The 30-year-old human resources manager lost her brother Adam in 2010 just months after the 39-year-old was diagnosed with nodular melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

After the heartache of suddenly losing her brother, Miss Briscoe gave up smoking, took up running and signed up for the race.

"I realised after my brother’s death how much running helped me deal with the pain of witnessing his agony, and what he went through.

"I quit smoking cold turkey so that I could run further and faster, which helped me get through the grief and pain and helped me appreciate life and the healthy functioning of my own body."

Miss Briscoe said seeing Adam, a father-of-two, in such distress made her want to help other people become aware of lifestyle changes that can help prevent cancer.

"Adam went through such trauma; it was very painful to see him go through that," Miss Briscoe added.

"The endurance and discomfort I feel from running long-distances is nothing compared to whathe went through and the least I can do to honour his life is appreciate my own health.

"I want to support research and help other people going through the pain that Adam went through."

So far, Miss Briscoe has raised £360 for the WCRF, which funds scientific research and health information on cancer prevention.  

Paul Fretwell, head of fundraising at WCRF, said: "We are hugely grateful to Jackie for her support. The London Marathon is a serious challenge and an excellent way of raising vital funds for cancer prevention and promoting awareness about the links between cancer and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity."

To visit Miss Briscoe's fundraising page click here