A NURSE says she is “over the moon” after being told her application to run next year’s London Marathon was successful.

Chantel Brooks, of Highwoods, Colchester, is lacing up her trainers in memory of her close friend’s mother.

The mother-of-two, who has been a registered nurse for 13 years, is hoping to raise at least £2,000 for Colchester’s St Helena Hospice.

The charity provides specialist palliative and end of life care to residents facing incurable illness.

Gazette: Runner - Chantel is a member of Boxted RunnersRunner - Chantel is a member of Boxted Runners (Image: Chantel Brooks)

“The mother of a good friend of myself and my husband was in the hospice before she passed away,” explained Mrs Brooks.

The nurse said when she hears the starting gun fire to commence the marathon she will have achieved a lifelong dream.

Mrs Brooks, 39, said: “I have dreamt of running the London Marathon before my 40th birthday and this just ticks the box for me and for such a wonderful cause.

“This was on my bucket list and it will feel like a miracle if I run it.

Gazette: Family - Chantel with children Oliver, 11, and Amelia, fiveFamily - Chantel with children Oliver, 11, and Amelia, five (Image: Chantel Brooks)

“I was over the moon, absolutely thrilled, when I found out I now have the chance.”

Mrs Brooks’ black tie fundraiser will take place at Wivenhoe House Hotel, Colchester, on February 25 next year.

For more information, contact clinical@obhcare.co.uk.