A WOMAN inspired by local fund-raiser Liam Fairhurst was just one of the thousands of successful runners who completed the London Marathon on Sunday. Lisa Redman, from Soham, was also one of more than 300 runners who took part to raise money for childhood

A WOMAN inspired by local fund-raiser Liam Fairhurst was just one of the thousands of successful runners who completed the London Marathon on Sunday.

Lisa Redman, from Soham, was also one of more than 300 runners who took part to raise money for childhood cancer charity CLIC Sargent and who raised a combined total of �640,000.

Lisa, 36, crossed the finishing line in four hours 20 minutes and was dressed as action heroine Lara Croft. The dental nurse chose to run for the cause after being inspired by Liam who is also a family friend.

Fourteen-year-old Liam, also from Soham, was diagnosed with cancer when he was 10 and decided to start raising money for CLIC Sargent after losing his best friend Jack, who he met while he was receiving treatment in Addenbrook's Hospital in 2006, to cancer.

Liam has raised more �300,000 to help other young people battling cancer whilst still undergoing treatment himself.

"I was so touched by Liam's enthusiasm and selfless determination I wanted to do something to help," says Lisa.

"I've been taking part on average in one race per month for the last year to raise money for the cause and I can empathise with Liam's situation having overcome a long battle with ill health myself.

"I was born with cystic hygromas (a benign tumour made up of a number of cysts) and since the age of 11 I have needed to undergo numerous operations to remove them."

"When I was 29, I had to have my chest opened as the cysts had wrapped themselves around my heart, lungs and windpipe. It took nine hours of surgery to remove the cysts but what was more frightening was I was told I may never speak again or might even be paralysed down one side.

"Fortunately for me the only side effect I have is a numb arm and shoulder which hasn't stopped me from continuing to lead a normal life."

Another runner who pounded the streets of the capital in support of CLIC Sargent was 37-year-old Martina Anderson from Pampisford, Cambridgeshire, who finished in around four hours 30 minutes.

The mum-of-two chose to run her first marathon for CLIC Sargent to thank the charity for the support offered to her best friend and family as their 15-year-old daughter battles kidney cancer.

"Ellen was just 14 when she was diagnosed and her mum cannot praise CLIC Sargent highly enough," said Martina. "Sadly last year she had to have her kidney removed and the charity was an amazing source of support for her family, helping them through a very difficult time. Ellen has remained strong throughout, even when she lost her hair, refusing to wear a wig and opting for an assortment of funky hats! She has battled through and is now doing really well.

The family have held all sorts of fund-raising events for the charity and I felt it was now my turn." says Martina.

Not being a natural runner, Martina faced a long and painful journey to get to the finish line at the race. "I was more of a sprinter at school and I don't think I ever managed to complete the cross-country course so it's been hard work. I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends and family, particularly my husband Peter and my trainer Sara Woollin."

Martina has managed to raise almost �2,000 so far, with �500 kindly donated by the Honor Knowles' Memorial Fund, in memory of the 57-year-old mum of two who died of leukaemia in 2007.

"We hope that by making this gesture and helping to support the activities of CLIC Sargent, they can give children with cancer the love and support my mum always tried to give others," said Honor's daughter Julie McGuigan.

Lisa and Martina joined a team of more than 300 CLIC Sargent runners at this year's London Marathon.

Kirsty McLatchie, running events manager for CLIC Sargent, said: "The event was absolutely fantastic. It was incredible to see so many of our runners endure this physically and mentally demanding challenge and still be smiling at the finish.

" On behalf of CLIC Sargent I would like to say a great big thank you to all our runners who trained and fundraised tirelessly and the staff and volunteers who helped at our cheer points. All the money raised will help us continue to support the 10 children and young people diagnosed with cancer every day."

CLIC Sargent is the official race charity for the first Virgin London Marathon in 2010. If this year's marathon has inspired you to take part then visit www.clicsargent.org.uk to find out how you can join the CLIC Sargent running team.

To sponsor Lisa visit www.justgiving.com/lisaredman1 or to show your support for Martina www.justgiving.com/martinaanderson