A primary school teacher will run the London �Marathon after losing his mother and two colleagues to cancer.

Andrew Wilkins, who works at Snaresbrook �Primary School in Meadow Walk, South Woodford, will attempt the gruelling 26.2m distance on Sunday and is aiming to raise �2,000 for Cancer Research UK.

His motivation came when mother Susan died unexpectedly aged 63 in July last year – just weeks after complaining of indigestion. It was stomach cancer.

Battle

A couple of months earlier 60-year-old teaching assistant Thea Barry had lost her �battle with the disease, while teacher Rachel Butler died in 2003 aged just 29.

Mr Wilkins, 29, said: “My mother’s death shook me �terribly and my family are still coming to terms with it

“My mum was the best, most generous and lovely person in the world. She had infinite patience, a massive amount of good humour, and gave the best cuddles.

“I thought about what I could do to honour her and wanted it to be something that she would have been surprised at or laughed at so I chose the marathon.”

Mr Wilkins quickly learned he was not the only one who had lost someone close to them to cancer at school so he is also dedicating his efforts to them.

He admitted he was not a natural runner but said thinking of the reasons he is doing it helps spur him on.

Children and staff have held non-uniform days and cake sales to help raise �money.

To make a donation to Andrew visit www.runningforthem.com.