A woman who is suffering from cancer is hoping to defy her illness and take part in a marathon.

Sarah Nicholson, 56, from South Ockendon, is hoping to take part in the Moonwalk challenge in London, which is a charitable event where women – and men – walk 26.2 miles with only bras on their top halves –although they are allowed to wear a jumper if it gets cold.

Sarah started doing the walk back in 2003 and did it every year up until 2007.

She then volunteered at the walk, meaning that she did jobs such as marshalling and handing out medals.

But in 2009, she was diagnosed with cancer herself, which went and then came back last year.

Still determined, Sarah said: “If the scans look good in February then I will do the walk, but if not I will still volunteer.

"This isn’t a big charity so they need a lot of support.”

A spokesman for Walk the Walk said: "Don’t miss The MoonWalk London, Saturday 12th May! Power Walk through the Capital at Midnight wearing a decorated bra, as you raise money and awareness for breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk. Sign up now: www.walkthewalk.org"