A 66-YEAR-old Gunnislake resident will be running her fifth London Marathon in April in aid of CHILDREN with CANCER UK.

Ann Woodhouse, who is a member of Tavistock Athletics' Club, is hoping she can raise vital funds for research into the causes and treatments of childhood cancer by joining the Mr Men and Little Miss team at this year's event on April 22.

Mrs Woodhouse ran her first London Marathon in 1998 for the Plymouth and District Leukaemia Fund, a few months before she lost her husband Howard to cancer.

She raised £2,500 and has raised money for other charities since including the Anthony Nolan Trust.

The Mr Men and Little Miss team is one of the largest teams in the Virgin London Marathon and the runners are easy to spot in their trademark Mr Happy and Mr Tickle running vests, made possible by the generous support the charity receives from Sanrio.

The Gunnislake runner said: 'Everybody has a right to life and children have only just started theirs.

'My husband died from Leukaemia and I know how he suffered.  He went on clinical trials when he was alive and I know he helped other people.'

Ben Twyman, head of running events at CHILDREN with CANCER UK said: 'Being told that your child has cancer is the start of an uncertain and difficult time for families.

'Thanks to Ann and the support from all of our dedicated marathon runners we are able to continue vital research into childhood cancer and help save young lives that would have otherwise been lost forever.'

CHILDREN with CANCER UK funds life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of childhood cancer, and works to protect young lives through essential welfare and campaigning programmes.

It was set up in 1988 by Eddie and Marion O'Gorman after their 14-year-old son Paul died from leukaemia. 

Just nine months later they lost their daughter Jean, also to cancer.   

Anyone who wants to help Ann in her fundraising efforts can call her on 01822 833347.