A South Woodford baby signing teacher, who set out to raise £250 for Cancer Research UK by running Race for Life in Victoria Park, beat her own fundraising target last weekend.

Syrah Martin, raised £1,100, to ‘give something back’ as her father has been declared in remission from prostate cancer and a friend recently diagnosed.

Mrs Martyn said: “‘I've never run in my life, but it’s not about being fast or fit and I was greatly inspired by my sponsors and of course my three kids.

"Just seeing all the other women standing together at Victoria Park, with their individual stories of loss and determination was immensely moving.”

The mum-of-three enlisted sponsors from her ‘baby sing and sign’ classes, where parents and babies are encouraged to communicate the first wants, needs and likes, through singing and music.