A Redhill mum will be putting on her running shoes and joining more than 1,000 team-mates attempting to cover a combined mileage of the earth's circumference in this year's Virgin London Marathon.

Natalie Vacher, 37, will be running for the Mr Men and Little Miss team in the marathon on Sunday, April 21.

The team's combined mileage feat of more than 25,000 miles, is being attempted to mark the 25th anniversary of the cause, CHILDREN with CANCER UK. Natalie will be hoping it will be third time lucky for her on April 21 as she has twice planned to run the London Marathon, but has had to pull out due to injury.

Natalie suffers from acute osteoporosis and for the past two years has broken bones training for the event.

The injuries she suffered were to her hip and wrists.

If Natalie falls she has an 80% chance of breaking a bone. Previous fractures have included her spine, hip, wrists, toe and hand. A spokeswoman for CHILDREN with CANCER UK said: “We are keeping our fingers firmly crossed Natalie makes it this year in memory of her father, Rowan, who she lost suddenly last year.”

Natalie, who is a company secretary and partner at Knight Frank estate agents, has spent months preparing for the race, and hopes to raise £3,000 for CHILDREN with CANCER UK.

The charity was inaugurated by Diana, Princess of Wales, in January 1988.

Ben Twyman, head of events at CHILDREN with CANCER UK, said: “It’s a very special year for us and we are thrilled that Natalie has joined our team.

“Whilst we have made great advances over the past 25 years, we are more committed and determined than ever to fund life-saving research, and will not stop until all childhood cancer is eradicated.”

Over the past 25 years, the charity has grown to become a major force in paediatric oncology, raising more than £150 million pounds for the research and treatment of childhood cancer. However, despite significant advances in the fight against the most common form of childhood cancer, leukaemia, the progress does not apply to all forms of childhood cancer, and diagnosis for most childhood cancers remains on the increase.

The Mr Men and Little Miss team is one of the largest teams in the Virgin London Marathon and the runners will wear trademark Mr Happy and Mr Tickle running vests.

For more details about CHILDREN with CANCER UK or to make a donation, visit its website at: www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk , email: marathon@childrenwithcancer.org.uk or call 020 7404 0808.