A TEACHER is donning her running shoes for a marathon challenge in memory of her father.

Helen Schofield, from Newton Aycliffe, hopes to raise over £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation by running the London Marathon on April 26.

Her father Derek Wright died suddenly after a massive heart attack 16 years ago, aged just 45.

Mrs Schofield, who was only 16 at the time, says his death was a huge shock to the whole family, but her mother Margaret was a tower of strength to her two teenage daughters.

Now aged 32, Mrs Schofield said: "I’m running in memory of my Dad, but also as a thanks to our Mum for being so strong for me and my sister Shona.

"I’m sure my Dad will be with me every step of the way, which will spur me on to the finish line."

Mrs Schofield, a teacher at Polam Hall School in Darlington, has already raised hundreds of pounds but is looking to break the £1,000 barrier.

To sponsor her for the 26-mile run, visit www.justgiving.com/helenschofield.