A FATHER and daughter team have been inspired to run the London Marathon in memory of the wife and stepmother they lost to breast cancer.

Student Bethany Dagger, 20, and her dad Bob, 54, of Station Road, Alcester, have joined forces to run together to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

It will be their first marathon.

Mr Dagger's wife Linda found out she had breast cancer in 2000 and lost her battle after a hard fight in February 2003, aged just 44.

He said: "I decided to do something quite challenging in her memory and I couldn't think of anything better to do than this."

Bethany decided it sounded a good idea, so joined him in training for the race. They have vowed to keep together on the gruelling run.

Bethany said: "My father wanted to do something in my stepmother's memory. He wanted to do something which he would have to work for and be proud of.

"I said I would do it with him as I was not only inspired by my stepmother's death but also by my father's determination."

Linda had been an active member within the community, at her children's schools and also at her work in Cheltenham.

Bob and Bethany hope some of Linda's old friends and colleagues will get in touch to sponsor them.

Mr Dagger said: "It's a big challenge and its hard work training but we can't wait to do it."