A 43-year-old mother of two is taking on the London Marathon this weekend to raise awareness and funds for the most common cancers in men andwomen.

First-time marathon runner Kate Stewart, who went to school at Haberdashers Monmouth School for Girls, is part of TeamPB – a unique team trying to raise £1 million for The Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care.

Kate said she was inspired to take part both by the charity she works for and the fact her mum, former Chepstow health visitor Jane Williams, and gran Joyce Nash have survived cancer.

"Every year I've said I'd love to run the London Marathon but I hate running and I've never had the courage to try. But this year is different," she said.

"It's 2012, it's an Olympic year and the charity I work for, The Prostate Cancer Charity, is the joint official charity for the Virgin London Marathon alongside Breast Cancer Care.

"Together we have built TeamPB (prostate and breast; pants and bra; pink and blue and personal best) and I am very proud to be a part of it and totally terrified of what's ahead.

"In January this year I could run for 10 minutes but my terror and fear that I might not get through this, I hope, will end on Sunday when the 26.2 miles is complete and I collapse in a heap with a very large drink.

"But for the 750,000 men and women diagnosed with prostate cancer and breast cancer in the UK every year, their terror is just beginning and may never end."

"Every mile for me will be a step in memory of brilliant men and women whose lives have been tragically cut short by these merciless diseases – Phil Baldy, Andy Ripley, Judy Stewart – wonderful people who have meant so much to me and taught me so much about life.

"I will also be running for all those men and women who have survived these diseases, especially my mum and my granny and all the volunteers I work with, they have all had to face the 'C' word and the fear that comes with it.

"It's been tough fitting in the training with two small children, a very hard-working husband, a love-hate relationship with my trainers, fundraising and a part-time job with a 150-mile commute but in all honesty it's the least I can do," she added.

Owen Sharp, chief executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "It's great that Kate has decided to take on this iconic race in support of TeamPB and pound the streets of London to raise vital funds for the 750,000 people living with prostate and breast cancer in the UK – we can't thank her enough."

Samiaal Qadhi, chief executive of Breast Cancer Care, said: "Every penny Kate has raised will make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by breast and prostate cancer and allow us to be there for more and more people in the future.

"We wish Kate lots of luck and we'll be cheering her on along the route."

Kate has already raised nearly £3,000 for TeamPB. If you would like to sponsor her visit  http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/katestewart">http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/katestewart