Shortly after Jill Eley’s daughter Hannah was born prematurely at Southend Hospital, doctors suspected she had tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

She showed all the signs of TSC including an irregular heart beat and white skin patches.

It is a genetic condition which means children can have growths in their brain, heart, eyes, lungs and kidneys, and it affects one in every 8,000 babies born.

People affected may also have epilepsy, learning difficulties, autism and renal problems.

Over the years, Hannah, now 17, has undergone surgery to remove dangerous tumours from her brain and heart.

She has some delayed development, but she is making some progress with her reading and writing.

Jill decided to run the London Marathon for the Tuberous Sclerosis Association charity, which has been a great support to her, husband Stewart and the family over the years.

Jill, from Hawkwell, says: “Information and research funded by the charity has helped us come to terms with the difficulties thrown at Hannah’s life so far.

“After a lot of training, I managed to complete the marathon in a time of three hours and 57 minutes and was cheered on by my family and support team around the course.”

The family would like to thank Jill’s sponsors, namely City and Essex Cleaning and Support Services, ESW chartered accountants, Park Print, Under Cover roofing supplies and Balgores roofing, plus all her friends and family.

Jill has so far raised nearly £3,500 for the charity and the figure is rising.

ý To donate, visit virginmoneygiving.com/jilleley