Last updated at 14:12, Friday, 02 November 2012

Two West Cumbrian sisters will run the London marathon next year in honour of their uncle Mike Ellwood, who died while training for this year’s event.

AUCTION: Sisters Gemma and Debbie Hornsby with the signed Arsenal football that will be auctioned as part of their fund-raising efforts in memory of their uncle

The sisters will be joined by one of Mr Ellwood’s sons, James, while the other, Tony, who is serving in Afghanistan, will run his own sponsored marathon at Camp Bastion.

He will try to run his 26 miles as close to the date of the London marathon as possible.

Gemma Hornsby, 29, of Lingbeck Park, Seaton, a children’s nurse at Maryport Health Services, and her sister Debbie, 27, a pharmacy technician at the West Cumberland Hospital, who lives at Brooklands Avenue, Maryport, said they wanted to honour their uncle who was born and brought up in Maryport.

Mr Ellwood, 59, who was living near Scarborough, Yorkshire, died of a heart attack three weeks before the London marathon for which he was in training.

Mr Ellwood, who had played rugby for Netherhall Old Boys, took part in orienteering competitions throughout the UK and competed in the London and Edinburgh marathons.

The sisters are aiming to match their uncle’s previous time of four hours, three minutes and 19 seconds.

They hope that, with the help of their cousins, they will raise £5,000 for Heart UK.

The sisters are organising fund-raising activities including a charity night with a silent auction and raffle at Workington British Legion on November 16 at 7.30pm. Singer Genna Jeffries will perform and there will be a disco.

Support has come from Xtreme Fitness, Maryport Aquarium, Walby Farm Park, Jennings Brewery, Peter Barlow Photography, Lakes Home Centre, Glitter Cumbria, Lister’s Baby Shop, Funtastic, McVities. Glitter Cumbria and Elite Autocare and MOT centre.

They also have a signed ball from Arsenal’s first team which will be auctioned off on the night. Bids can be entered beforehand by contacting teammike2013@yahoo.com.

Tickets for the charity night are £3. If anyone wants any more information contact the women through the above email address or by calling 07540472535.

Money can also be donated through http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/teammike

First published at 11:50, Friday, 02 November 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk