A student whose mum died suddenly from heart failure is planning to run the London Marathon in her memory.

Gemma Kennedy is taking on the challenge in aid of the British Heart Foundation and hopes to raise £3,000.

The 21-year-old from Hartlip, a student at Greenwich University, will be running the 26 miles of the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23.

She said: “I decided to take part to help raise as much money as possible for this incredible cause.

“The British Heart Foundation is a charity which is very close to my heart as my mum passed away suddenly in October 2015 from heart failure, at the age of just 51.

“I was running the Royal Parks Half Marathon that day and she passed away in the evening.

“It was very sudden, we didn’t know anything was wrong.”

Her mum, Lorna Kennedy, was also a keen runner and took part in the London Marathon in 2004.

Gemma, of Dane Close, who has an older brother, Matthew, added: “She always ran when I was little and was one of those people that, looking at her, you’d never presume runs.

“So I’m doing it in memory of her and this will be my first full marathon – I’ve always said I’d do the London Marathon.”

Training hard, Gemma took on an 18-mile run two weeks ago in the capital to prepare. So far, she’s raised more than £1,300.

“I am running in memory of my mum, but also to try and raise as much money as possible to help ensure other families don’t have to go through what mine have in the last 16 months,” she added.

She said she is both nervous and excited for the challenge. “I’ve watched it so many times on TV so it will be nice to take part.”

Her dad Jim added: “I am very proud of everything Gemma has achieved. I will be supporting her and the cause all the way.”

Gemma, who is studying for a masters in international business, is also running a quiz night at Hartlip Village Hall at 7.30pm today (Saturday), along with a coffee morning and a cake sale. Tickets are still available at £5 per person. Call Gemma on 07983 450473.

To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GemmaKennedy1