A TOWER Hamlets mum is preparing to run 26 miles for charity – for the third time.

Mum-of-two Claire Jones will join 36,000 other runners in the Virgin 2012 London Marathon on April 22.

NHS worker Claire, who started running five years ago when she decided to take part in Race for Life, said: "I enjoyed running and took my ambition to the next level by taking a place in the 2009 London Marathon."

She finished her first marathon in seven hours and in 2011 beat that time with five and a half hours. This year she hopes to do even better when she runs in aid of The Stroke Association.

She said: "I hope to beat my record and get under five hours."

Claire chose the charity because her grandmother Lynne Riley had a stroke last year.

Thanks to Lynn's daughter Gill remembering the NHS FAST test, Lynn got help within three hours, which saved her life.

Claire said: "At first we all feared the worst. It was heart-wrenching to see her lying there in hospital so helpless when she had previously been so independent. The first weeks and months were really hard for all of us.

"At the time we knew nothing about strokes. We had no idea what we could do to help or what treatment and support she and we could expect. The Stroke Association was the first place I went to and found loads of really useful information which helped us feel more informed and involved in her care. Without them we would have been lost.

"I'm running for The Stroke Association because I wanted to do something to raise awareness and money for the charity. I am determined to do what I can to help other stroke survivors in recognition of my nan. She is a tough lady and fortunately she is still with us today.

"She has been left severely disabled but is coping very well and continues to recover. The hardest thing for her is that she can no longer play the piano as she used to be a composer and concert pianist."

As well as running the marathon Claire, who is a member of Dover Road Runners, aims to raise cash by holding a race night to help reach her £2,000 target.

A similar event which she organised for the Children With Leukaemia charity last year brought in £593.

She said: "I hope to get 100 people to come along to this year's race night and to raise even more."

The fundraiser, which has Dover mayor Ronnie Philpott as a guest of honour, will be held at the Triangles Community Centre, Poulton Close, this Saturday from 7.30pm to 11pm.

It will include simulated horse racing, bingo, a raffle and a fish and chips supper. Fancy dress is optional and tickets cost £8, £4 for under-16s, and £40 for a table of six.

Anyone who would like to book a place, or to find out more about Claire's marathon, can call 07545 777131 or visit www.clairejjones.co.uk or www.justgiving.com/Claire-J-Jones

The Stroke Association is a source of information and advice for stroke sufferers and their families.

Find out more at www.stroke.org.uk