GP Catherine Raja is raising money for a children's cancer charity because her best friend's three-year-old son has leukaemia.

And one of her main sponsors is a firm of solicitors whose former senior partner is also suffering from the disease.

Dr Raja practices at Sudbury's Hardwicke House Surgery in her maiden name of Firth, to avoid confusion with her husband Rakesh, who is also a GP in the town.

She is running for CLIC Sargent, which provides vital help for children with cancer and their families.

Her marathon bid is being supported by Sudbury solicitors Bates, Wells and Braithwaite.

Their former senior partner, Keith Stamp, who retired in 2002 after 30 years with the firm, has had leukaemia for some time and is keen to support the charity.

Dr Raja, who has two children Jasmin, 5, and Jamie, 2, has never tackled a marathon before but has been training with runs around Ickworth Park near her home in Horringer.

"I did the Race for Life three years ago and that spurred me on to keep running.

"Just after Christmas I did the Bury 10, and I ran about 20 miles a couple of weeks ago.

"I decided to do the London Marathon after my friend's son George was diagnosed with leukaemia around this time last year.

"He's doing really well now, but was having chemotherapy for a week at a time.

"While he was having treatment his parents were able to stay near the hospital in Southampton in accommodation provided by CLIC Sargent."

Dr Raja, who has been a Sudbury GP for about five years, said she was feeling slightly nervous about the marathon.

"I've done 20 miles – I've just got to add the other six. I'm hoping the atmosphere on the day will help me through."

To sponsor Dr Raja, click here.

barbara.eeles@sudbury today.co.uk