A RUNNER is tackling the New York Marathon to raise money for a cause close to her heart.

Dawn Richardson, of Darlington, is running on November 3, to raise money for a nurse at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, to promote awareness of prostate cancer.

Ms Richardson has funded the trip to New York herself so any money she raises will go to the hospital.

She said: "A family member has recently had a prostactomy performed at the hospital and this is my way of saying thank you."

Ms Richardson has been a member of the Quakers Running Club since 1998, after running the London Marathon in 1997.

She has also competed in the Saunders Mountain Marathon, the Karrimor Mountain Marathon and the Great North Run. She also won this year's Dumfries Marathon

Anyone who would like to sponsor Dawn should call (01325) 263335.