A woman is honouring the memory of her beloved cousin and grandfather who died weeks apart by running a marathon.

Danielle Corrigan, 21, from Greensted, Ongar, is just £500 off from her fundraising target of £2,500 for St Clare Hospice who helped cared for her family.

Alongside 11 other runners for the charity, Ms Corrigan will run 26.2 miles in the London Marathon this month, aiming a combined total of £15,000.

“It was the most heart-breaking and emotional time for us all,” said the 21-year-old. “but the peaceful and tranquil environment, and the kind, compassionate staff who work in the Hospice, certainly helped us through the darkest days.

“It was the care that we all experienced at St Clare Hospice that made me want to give back.”

In March 2013, the family were told 19-year-old cousin Charlotte, had terminal liver cancer and grandad Maurice Oak was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an incurable disease.

Both family members sadly passed away at the hospice on Wednesday, June 25 2014 and Thursday, July 17, 2014 respectively.

In January 2019, Ms Corrigan turned 21 and was inspired to run in honour of her grandfather and cousin especially, who passed away two months prior her milestone birthday.

“I want to make a difference in my 21st year,” she explained. “I want to raise money for such a wonderful charity and raise awareness for the incredible care and support that St Clare offer to local people.”

Danielle added, “I am full of mixed emotions ahead of the big day, but I can’t wait to run in memory of the two most loving people in the world.”

The London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 28.

To make a donation to Danielle on behalf of St Clare Hospice, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DanielleCorrigan