TWO Weymouth sisters will go that extra mile to help sufferers of Motor Neurone disease.

Joanne Samways and Kate Richardson will run the London Marathon in April to raise money for the West Dorset Branch of Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The sisters will also be hosting a horse race charity night from 7pm this Saturday at the Weymouth Police Social Club on Radipole Lane.

Those attending are encouraged to bet on horses and take part in a raffle with all funds going towards the West Dorset branch.

Joanne, aged 37, of Weymouth Bay Avenue, said: “I must be mad. It is a challenge but we are both really looking forward to it.

“Our friend raised money for the same cause two years ago so we decided to help.

“We are really enjoying it.

“We are in training at the moment.

“This will be the second time I have run the Marathon but it will be the first time for Kate.

“We are holding the charity night to raise as much money as we can. We hope people turn up to help out.”

Kate, who is 34 and lives in Broadmeadow Road in Wyke Regis, said: “We would like to raise £1,000. It is a challenge but to do it with my sister is so rewarding.”

Both women work for the NHS, Joanne as a nurse at Dorchester Hospital and her sister Kate helping people out in the community.

Liz Nelson, a volunteer at the West Dorset Branch, said: “It really is fantastic what they are doing. We really welcome all fundraising.

“We have so many patients suffering with the disease now we need all the funds we can get.”

The disease leads to weakness and a wasting of the muscles which causes a loss of mobility in the limbs and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

Money raised will go towards helping sufferers living in West Dorset or to help with vital research.

Ms Nelson said as co-ordinator of the West Dorset branch she is sponsoring the sisters and hoped to be able to attend the race night.

To sponsor the sisters visit virginmoneygiving.com/joannesamways.

For tickets to the charity night call 07525 069973.