A BRITHDIR woman will run the Brighton Marathon next month to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Andrea Edwards, 51, has been inspired to take part in the marathon by a family friend who has Motor Neurone Disease.

Known for her work in theatre and on television, actress Andrea is in training for the marathon which will take place on Sunday, 12 September.

She will be joined by her sister-in-law, Sarah Merritt from Southampton.

Explaining why she wants to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Andrea said: “I am running for our dear family friend, Angie Muir.

“Angie is a wonderful caring person and the epitome of kindness and love.

“She has always been full of life and laughter.

“She survived cancer but she has now developed MND after losing both her brother and father to this cruel illness.

“Angie continues to fight the disease with grace and determination, but is now at the point where she can no longer swallow, speak or move her legs. There is no cure.”

Andrea hopes her marathon effort will help improve the lives of those with MND.

“Please help me raise money for the MND Association who work hard to improve care and support for people with MND and their carers and families,” she said.

Andrea is well-known for theatre work in Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, and for numerous TV appearances.

Most recently she was in Emmerdale as Doctor Bellsby. This is the third time Andrea has appeared in the soap, playing different characters each time.

Last year she filmed the ITV drama Too Close, with Emily Watson, and she has just made a short film, locally, called Anniversary.

“I am a member of the recently formed North Wales Actor’s Collective and we made some short films this year,” Andrea explained.

“The film I am in, called Anniversary, was selected to be part of the Wales International Film Festival.

As well as acting, Andrea is firmly focussed on next month’s marathon and raising as much money as she can.

To do that, she and Sarah have set up a fundraising page with JustGiving.

They have set themselves a fundraising target to raise £1,000, but would like to donate as much money as possible.

So far they have raised £451.

“If you are able, please visit the page and give what you can,” said Andrea.