A CHINGFORD woman is gearing up for a half marathon to raise awareness of a heart condition suffered by her neice.
Emma Johnston, 35, of New Road, is taking part in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon on October 10.
Her neice, Ellie Inkster, ten, was born with a heart defect.
Miss Johnston, who is a midwife at the Chapel End Early Years Centre in Walthamstow said: "My neice has suffered from a severe heart defect since she was born.
"It was totally out of the blue. When she was born she really struggled with her health.
"Now she gets breathless and has less energy than others.
"She leads an active life like any other 10-year-olds, but has to have regular check ups at the hospital too."
"My dad ran the London Marathon last year. I thought if he can do it, then I can do it."
The mother-of-three has been training by running three times a week.
She is aiming to raise £550 for the Children's Heart Federation.
If you would like to donate log on to www.justgiving.com/emmajanejohn
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