A MOTHER-OF-TWO is planning to run the New York marathon in memory of her late husband.

Ken Albrighton, a Darlington magistrate, died last November, aged 49, after battling cancer for seven months.

His widow, Melanie, 41, of Middleton Tyas, is now training to take part in the marathon to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

She said: "When I saw that the charity was looking for runners I felt it was an incentive to help me focus on something other than our sadness. Ken would have done anything to live and tried all the treatments available.

"I believe that the more we understand about cancer the better chance there is to help prevent this tragic waste of life."

Mrs Albrighton, a physiotherapist in Darlington, will run the marathon in November with a friend, Andrew Smith, 42. The pair are trying to raise £2,800 in sponsorship.

With Mr Smith's wife, Jen, 40, they also hope to complete this year's Great North Run.

Mr Albrighton, who left children Ryan, 12, and nine-year-old Natasha, was also a physiotherapist and chairman of Wellfield Tennis Club, in Low Coniscliffe.

A Yorkshire Cancer Research spokeswoman said: "Melanie is an inspiration to anyone who has been touched by cancer."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Mrs Albrighton call telephone her on 07714 143366.