AN ESTEEMED West End performer will run the London Marathon in her mother's memory.

On April 22 Les Misérables and Inside Pussy Riot star Tamsin Dowsett will run 26 and a bit miles with eight others raising money for St Clare Hospice.

The Ilford born actor's mother, Susan, received end of life care in the west Essex home in 2013, inspiring Miss Dowsett to give something back.

She said: "I had been caring for Mum at home, but we got to the point where I didn’t know how I could help her anymore, or what I could do. But then St Clare stepped in, and the sun came out.

"The moment we walked in to St Clare, it was like stepping into a luxury hotel. From the get-go, nothing was too much for the nurses to help and support us.

“The care and attention my Mum received in the last few months of her life at St Clare made all the difference in making our journey just that bit easier. I thank St Clare from the bottom of my heart. I am incredibly grateful and I know my Mum is, too.”

As well as caring for people from their Harlow base, St Clare's staff help those still living in their own homes.

Miss Dowsett added: "Running for St Clare is incredibly important and personal to me. It will be so very motivating to know that I am running in memory of my Mum, and to support the vital care and support that St Clare offer to local people every single day.

"It has always been important to me to challenge myself and be the best version of myself – to be brave and live all that life has to offer. After losing my Mum, I know the value of the phrase ‘life is a gift,’ and how important it is to seize the day.”

The Royal Academy of Music graduate is aiming to raise £2,000 in vital funding for St Clare, enough to pay for almost a months’ worth of our 24hour advice line, which provides advice around-the-clock for patients and families in need of immediate support.

If you would like to sponsor Miss Dowsett for her London Marathon challenge go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TamsinDowsett

To assist her fundraising efforts, she will also be hosting a West End Cabaret evening at 7.30pm on April 8at Above the Arts theatre in Leicester Square, London.

If you have your own ballot place for the London Marathon and would like to run for Team St Clare, contact challenges and events fundraiser, Emma Broadbent, on 01279 773754 or email emma.broadbent@stclarehospice.org.uk