A FAMILY trio is taking on a world-famous half marathon in a poignant tribute.

Mark Clarkson and his daughters Georgina and Charlotte Clarkson are tackling the Great North Run on Sunday, September 10, to raise money for the Marie Curie charity.

Their effort is in memory of Mark's mum, and the daughters' grandma, Mavis Clarkson.

Mavis, who died in May, and members of the family received support from Marie Curie during the final months of her life.

"She was a much-loved mother and grandmother," says Charlotte, 22, from Keighley.

"She was a woman of great faith and a long-standing member of the Salvation Army, and devoted much of her life to voluntary work and charitable organisations.

"We wanted to raise funds for Marie Curie to thank it for all the support and care it provided to my grandma and to the whole family during the final months of her life."

The Great North Run, which covers a 13.1-mile route between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields, has grown into the most popular half marathon in the world.

Charlotte and Georgina, who is travelling from her home in Malta to take part, are both new to running.

"This will be a big challenge for all of us – it is a first-ever half marathon for Georgina and myself and represents a running comeback for our out-of-practice dad!" says Charlotte.

"We're trying to do as much training as possible.

"It's hard work, and completing the half marathon is a real challenge, but we're determined to raise as much money as possible for a fantastic charity.

"Any donations that people can make would be greatly appreciated."

They have an online fundraising link at facebook.com/donate/1901125166916804, with a target of £1,140.

More than £750 has been raised so far.

Marie Curie is one of the UK’s leading end-of-life charities.

It provides frontline nursing and hospice care, a free support line and a range of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.

A spokesperson says: "We're here to help everyone affected by a diagnosis to achieve the best quality of life and support the patient to keep their independence and dignity for as long as possible.

"This includes treating or managing pain and other symptoms with medicines, therapies and different specialist approaches. It also means giving emotional support to everyone when it's needed the most."

For more about the charity, visit mariecurie.org.uk.