Among those whose feet will be pounding the London streets for the marathon on today will be Lucy Bevan, from Great Dunmow, who is running to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

In the charity’s blue and black colours, Lucy will join a team of 200 people who are raising money to fight the disease that kills one man every hour or an estimated 10,900 a year. Lucy, 25, was inspired to run for the charity after two men in her family were diagnosed.

She said: “Ignoring prostate cancer won’t beat it, so I joined the fight by signing up to run the London Marathon. I decided to run for Prostate Cancer UK because it is a charity that is very close to my heart. My grandfather had it and my uncle is currently fighting it. I was shocked to discover that it can affect one in eight men and wanted to support in some way.”.

James Beeby, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Many people are unaware that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It’s a huge issue that cannot be ignored. Based on current trends, if we do nothing, the number of deaths will rise to over 14,500 men a year by 2026.”

To sponsor Lucy, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/LucyBevan.