DETERMINED Rosemary Locock is tackling the London Marathon in memory of her daughter Karina.

She promised Karina that she would run in her memory when the pair were at the marathon five years ago.

Rosemary has applied unsuccessfully for the past five years through the general ballot of places but then won a spot with Team Lucozade for this year's event.

She said: "We were in London on the day of the 2003 marathon, which also happened to be on April 13, when Karina asked me to run in her memory.

"I have entered the general ballot for the past five years but not managed to secure a place. However, I have managed to get a place as part of Team Lucozade Sport who were touched by my reason for wanting to take part this year. They will support me throughout my training and during the day.

"I am travelling to London on March 5 to attend a training day with marathon runner Liz Yelling and to meet the other members of my team."

Rosemary added: "Now that it's a reality it's quite scary and a huge challenge.

"But I am determined to succeed no matter how long it takes me to cross the finishing line."

Rosemary's daughter Karina Glynn died aged 17 in June 2003, following a 20-month battle with cancer.

Rosemary, who lives in Weymouth and works for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service in Dorchester, has already tackled the Great North Run, Great Manchester Run and the Race for Life.

She will be raising money from the London Marathon for the Piam Brown Children's Cancer Ward at Southampton Hospital, King-fisher Children's Ward at Dorset County Hospital and The Claire Lemmon Fund Children's Cancer Charity.

Rosemary said: "I would like to ask all of my friends and colleagues to support me with my challenge and raise some much needed funds.

"The reason for choosing the three beneficiaries is for the care and support they gave Karina throughout her illness."

To sponsor Rosemary email rosemary.locock@vodafoneemail.co.uk or phone 01305 815861.