The son of a Saffron Walden woman who died of cancer in August will run next year’s London Marathon for the hospice that cared for her.

Giles Arbery, 39, who grew up in Radwinter, has committed to raising £2,500 for St Clare Hospice after they cared for his mum Hazel, who was diagnosed with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma late in 2014.

Mrs Arbery, who lived at Station Street, passed away on August 10 this year aged 68 and Giles says he was overwhelmed by the support she received at St Clare.

He said: “St Clare not only looked after my mum in her final weeks, but provided invaluable help and support as she became more poorly, enabling her to enjoy as much time with family and friends as possible.

“I was incredibly impressed with everything they did and the work they do for people with life limiting illnesses is truly amazing. I am therefore very proud to be running the marathon for St Clare in memory of my mum.”

Mr Arbery, who is a former Saffron Walden County High School student, now lives in Chislehurst in Kent and works as an art director for his own London-based company.

The London race on April 24 will be the third time Mr Arbery has run the capital’s marathon and he said is hoping to complete the 26.2 mile course in around four and a half hours.

He said: “Training has been going ok, and I really hope to be able to kick on a bit more in the new year. It’s more about the fundraising of course, but I’d really like to beat my time of four hours and 46 minutes, which I completed the Brighton Marathon in last year.

“I will be 40 a week before the race, but I’ll have to put any celebrations on hold until after the event. I really hope to be able to raise as much as possible for this great cause that means so much to me and my family.”

Mr Arbery has already raised £250 towards his £2,500 target and anyone wishing to donate can visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GilesArbery.