A mum and her toddler who is undergoing treatment for leukaemia are taking on a marathon challenge to help other children with cancer.

Sarah McCarthy, from Ramsgate, is heading out every day to run at least one mile with Ivy in her buggy for 26 days to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The mum-of-three says the Royal Marsden has been amazing ever since two-year-old Ivy started chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the hospital's Oak Centre for Children.

"They are so brilliant - Ivy actually gets excited about going there - so I want to give them something back and they rely on donations. So I thought I'd raise some money," said Sarah.

Ivy was diagnosed in February and Sarah admits the family's world fell apart.

"She had been under the weather for a few weeks but we thought it was just the usual winter bugs that all children get," she said.

"It was unexpected and our lives were turned upside down."

Ivy is now six months into treatment, which will last two-and-a-half years in total.

"The most intensive part finished last week," said Sarah, who has two other children with husband Ibar.

"After initially staying in the Marsden for a couple of weeks, we were going on average one to two weeks for chemo, but from now on it will be once every three months.

"She'll be having chemo through the spine through a lumbar puncture.

"Some of the treatment has made her feel quite unwell. There are different types of chemo and I think she's had eight or nine, all administered differently.

"There are lots of different side effects. Some chemos can cause long-term damage to her heart, but that's the lesser of the two evils. If she doesn't have it then the cancer won't go.

"I think that's why I'm into raising this money as well - there does need to be a more friendly drug for children and the only way to find that is through donations to fund the research."

But despite the horrific ordeal Ivy is going through, Sarah says the youngster loves going to the hospital.

"They are so amazing and it is lovely there," she said.

"It says a lot that she loves the place she goes to for treatment.

"We're up there with lots of children with different types of cancer and they all love it.

"It's sounds strange to describe a room full of children with cancer as a happy place, but it is.

"It's so calm, quiet and peaceful, the staff are so supportive and it's a lovely environment for families and parents.

"They've done so much for us."

She admits she decided to do the marathon on a bit of a whim.

"I was worried about whether I would be able to raise £200, but we've raised £4,000 already - it doubled overnight. It's amazing."

Sarah started The Marsden Marathon challenge on September 2 with the aim of running 26 miles in 26 days throughout September which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

"Ivy loves coming out in her buggy - we usually finish it with with an ice cream," she added.

To donate to Sarah and Ivy's challenge click here.

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