A FORMER Tavistock Primary School pupil this week sets off in the hope of breaking the record for running 2,800 miles across the United States, raising money for cancer charities.

Alison Bradley was born in Tavistock's Maternity Home and attended the primary school before she, her parents and sister from Bishopsmead emigrated to New Zealand.

Her international travels continued when, after high school, she went to study in America and become a sports coach.

Alison, aged 26, has set herself the huge task of running across America, starting from New York on May 6 and hoping to finish in Los Angeles on July 1, to raise money to fight cancer and break the current world record of 69 days.

She said: 'Cancer is a disease that effects everyone in some way; directly or indirectly, it doesn't matter what colour, race or religion you are, cancer can strike anyone. I want to do more to help beat this disease and give people hope.

'This run is not only to raise money to hopefully help find a cure, but to also provide inspiration and to raise awareness of the struggles people go through on a daily basis.

'Alone we can do little, but together we can do so much. Moral support can go a long way, and, when times get tough we often reach out to others to help get us through. Just being there can be enough.

'It doesn't take much, but recognising someone's struggles and being that pillar of support can be the difference to that person and can sometimes help with our own struggles.'

If anyone wishes to follow her progress or make a donation go to the website http://www.run2fightcancer.webstarts.com">www.run2fightcancer.webstarts.com