A CLEVEDON woman will run the Manchester Marathon to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Helen Lyon will take on the challenge on April 29 to collect cash for Epilepsy Research UK.

The 30-year-old decided to raise money for the charity following the death of her friend Tracy Edwards.

Tracy, who Helen met while both studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, died on Boxing Day 2010 at the age of 27 after suffering an epileptic seizure.

Helen, of Ruddymead, said: “I didn’t realise how serious epilepsy was until Tracy passed away.

“Between 500-1,000 people dies of epilepsy each year and I don’t think many other people realise the seriousness of the disease.”

Helen hopes to raise �1,000 in sponsorship.

* Anyone wishing to sponsor her can do so by texting TTUS73�5 to 70070 to donate �5 or by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/HelenLyon