CARING Spa sisters have been inspired to go that extra mile to raise charity funds after their brother was diagnosed with cancer.

Polly and Naomi Ward, from Droitwich, will attempt the Bupa Great Birmingham Run with their partners on Sunday, October 21.

They will take on the 13 mile half marathon challenge in aid of the Blood Cancer Trust. The pair decided to enter the race after their brother Phil, 25, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukaemia in August.

His positive and upbeat attitude on receiving the news inspired them to sign up with their partners Alex Grimsley and Aaron Jones.

Polly, 24, and Naomi, 21, first thought about running a 5k or 10k race but then decided to run a half marathon knowing how tough Phil’s battle would be.

Phil is currently at Worcestershire Royal Hospital receiving treatment but will be out in time to see his sisters cross the finish line.

Polly said: “It has only been a few weeks since we heard the news. We wanted to do something to raise funds because of how inspired we were with how Phil has handled it. He has been so upbeat and positive about it all.

“We have not been training for long and I have never done anything like this before. We have agreed we will walk to the end if we have to, the main thing is that we finish the race.”

The group’s original fundraising target has already been exceeded but they are continuing to raise as much as they can.

Jamie Still, race director at event organiser Nova, said: “Everyone has their own reasons for running whether it is family or friends-driven as it is for Polly and Naomi, completing personal challenges, or simply taking an important step towards a healthier lifestyle. Whatever the reason, it’s great to see so many people come together to complete the 13 miles.”

This year’s event will see an extra 3,000 take to the streets of Birmingham, with 18,000 runners hoping to complete the 13 miles.

Anyone wanting to sponsor the sisters can visit their donation page at justgiving.co.uk/polly0210