A woman whose sister died of breast cancer is running the London Marathon, with every step dedicated to raising funds for the hospice that helped her sibling.

Joanna Catchpole, who lives in Gravesend, said she had previously considered herself lucky that no close family or friends had been affected by cancer.

However, everything changed in November 2017 when her sister Elizabeth Paska, who also lived in Gravesend, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 44.

She said: "The news was devastating as there was no cure and the cancer had spread to several parts of her body.

"Sadly she ignored some signs and at the stage of diagnosis we knew the cancer was not curable and in many parts of her body.

"She took on the challenge with a smile on her face every day and managed to pull through sepsis and even Covid.

"We attended many hospital appointments and treatments and she always smiled and was very grateful for all the care she received."

Joanna said that everyone who met her sister was amazed by her attitude and could not believe the extent of the illness.

She said: "She never complained and never cried for herself and she was super brave.

"She made us believe that miracles could happen – many professionals were amazed how well she coped with many treatments and she was just always smiling."

Ellenor hospice provided day care, treatments and support for both Joanna and her sister, who was known as Kaska. She died on June 13, 2021, aged 48.

"She is missed every day and remembered by many for her amazing attitude and smile," Joanna said.

Kaska was not married and didn't have any children, but Joanna said her own daughter Demi, 21, was "lucky enough to have two mums".

"Demi was loved and cherished by my sister, like she was her own child.

"Myself, Demi and my closest friend Rita provided care for her with the support of my sister's other friends.

"Kaska was truly loved by many people and everyone was amazed about her happiness every day of her life."

The sisters are Polish and have lived in the UK for more than 20 years.

Joanna has completed several challenges to raise money for ellenor such as a 100km Jurassic Coast Run in July 2018, a boxing event in November 2018, and a walkathon in June 2019 from London to Gravesend.

She has now decided to challenge herself to run the TCS London Marathon on April 23 in support of the organisation and has set up a JustGiving page to raise money.

The 45-year-old said: "We have met many amazing people during this extremely difficult journey and I wish to show my gratitude to all of the team at ellenor.

"I've always admired the people who work there and the ones who help to make life easier in such challenging and heartbreaking times.

"My sister had no choice but to battle the fight with cancer and she did it with a smile every day.

"I've challenged myself to raise money for ellenor which will enable them to provide much needed help, care and support for other people and families."