A MUM has taken on a marathon challenge in aid of a cause close to her heart.

Jane Surman took part in a 44km walk across London to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer after her mother was twice struck down with the condition.

Social worker Jane, 37, joined thousands of other people as she made her way from Richmond Park in south-west London to Regents Park in north London in the Aviva Walk London on Saturday.

The mum-of-three, from Dibden, was inspired to take on the challenge for two reasons - to support research into breast cancer and to begin a personal battle to lose weight.

Jane's mum Elizabeth Kaveney, from Langley, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer 13 years ago. Jane said: "Thankfully with some minor surgery she recovered quickly and remained in the clear for 12 years, until last November when she was diagnosed in the other breast."

This time, her mother needed a mastectomy. She is now in remission.

Since beginning training, Jane has dropped four dress sizes.

"I was nearly a size 28 before and now I can get into size 20 clothes," she said. "This has inspired me to carry on losing weight too."