A BEAUTY therapist will take on a 26-mile run to raise money for Leukaemia research after her brother overcame a childhood battle with the disease.

Danielle Stapleton, from Totteridge, will run in the Virgin London Marathon on April 25 for blood cancer charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Her brother, Barry Stapleton, was only 12-years-old when he was diagnosed with acute lymophoblastic leukaemia in 1996.

Even though she was only six years old at the time, the memory of witnessing her brother undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Great Ormond Street left a lasting impression on Danielle.

The 21-year-old said: "I was only six but I remember feeling that something was wrong.

"Barry was in hospital for a long time and after talking to my parents I realise how frightening it must have been for them."

Barry’s treatment was successful and now aged 25, he is a Metropolitan Police officer.

Danielle decided to take on the marathon challenge after her father Kevin completed the race for the same charity in 1997.

Danielle said: "I've always said that one day I would run for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, because it's thanks to their wonderful work that Barry's here today."

She added: "I've been out training with my dad, doing a lot of street running around Barnet and I'm fairly confident I'll beat his race time!"

Now looking ahead to the big day, Danielle said she hopes to raise as much money as possible. She said: "Everybody from friends and family, to colleagues and even customers have been supporting me, which is fantastic. The more money I raise, the more lives can be saved".

You can support Danielle by visiting her fundraising website at www.justgiving.com/Danielle-Stapleton