BIG-HEARTED Christine Perry is running the London Marathon to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Mrs Perry, 53, from Shoebury, said she wants to help the charity after she met cystic fibrosis sufferer, Sam Richardson.

She said: "Sam is only 11 years old and he is always so positive about life. There is no cure for the condition, but the trust uses money for research.

"I have spent a lot of time training and I think I am ready for the run."

Mrs Perry, who met Sam through the Shoebury and Thorpe Bay Baptist Church, has been running to Hadleigh Castle along the seafront. She said: "It is a lovely route to run."