LIFE will begin just before 40 for one woman taking on the London Marathon for charity.

Catherine Lloyd, aged 39, of Walnut Crescent, Malvern, will be hitting the streets of the capital on Sunday, April 13 to raise awareness of Harrison’s Fund, which aims to boost research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal genetic condition which affects the muscles.

Ms Lloyd has set herself a target of £2,000 and has already raised £1,500 for the charity which is named after seven-year-old Harrison Smith, of Surrey, who was diagnosed with the condition.

Ms Lloyd said: “Harrison is my best friend, Karen’s nephew. Since his shocking diagnosis I’ve seen the enormous efforts the whole family has undertaken to make a difference to such a tragic disease.

"The challenges they have had to face, the courage, determination and commitment with which they persevere to make a difference to Harrison and give more hope to all those who suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. "

Ms Lloyd, who turns 40 in December, added: "I like to set myself challenges in life and the London Marathon is a big one. I feel privileged to be able to run this for such an amazing cause, raising awareness and funds to try and make time for Harrison and so many others like him.”

One in 3,500 boys is born with the fatal neuromuscular condition in the UK each year.

It is caused by the lack of a protein called dystrophin which results in progressive muscle weakness and the average lifespan for those with the condition is 20 years.

The charity focuses on trying to find a cure for the disease rather than on palliative care.

To sponsor Ms Lloyd, go to justgiving.com/Catherine-Lloyd2.