A woman is set to don her running shoes for a charity half-marathon after being inspired by her brother's cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Tejal Patel, of High Road, Woodford Green, will be running Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in Hyde Park on Sunday (October 11) to raise funds for the Lymphoma Association, which provides medical information and support to people affected by the disease.

Earlier this year, Tejal’s 25-year-old brother was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, which is the country's fifth most common cancer, with around 14,000 diagnoses every year.

It is also the most common cancer in the under 30s.

In August, she took part in a sponsored skydive and raised more than £1,800, so Tejal now hopes the run will take the total to over £2,000.

The 28-year-old accountant said: “I have always been a frequent gym-goer and particularly enjoy running but I wanted to challenge myself and what better way than running for a charity.

“When my brother was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, I was shocked that I hadn’t even heard of this type of cancer so I also want to raise awareness of lymphoma and its symptoms.

“I’d like to look back in years to come and know that I helped people affected by lymphoma.

“The charity does such great work supporting people and it would be great to know that I was able to help in some way.”

Lymphatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are non-specific and can be very similar to other more common conditions.

The most common sign of lymphoma is a painless lump or swelling, often in the neck, armpit or groin.

However, people can also experience excessive sweating, fevers, unexplained weight loss, unusual tiredness, persistent itching, coughing or breathlessness or abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Jonathan Pearce, chief executive of the Lymphoma Association, said: “We are enormously grateful to Tejal and her supporters.

“Her fundraising will make a real difference to our work supporting people affected by lymphoma.

“On behalf of the organisation, I wish Tejal the best of luck for October 11 and thank her for her support.”

To support Tejal and donate to the cause click here.