A Bradford epilepsy sufferer is running the London marathon to raise money for charity.

Kirstie Eccles, 36, is already training hard for the event, which takes place next month but she won't be running alone.

Her sister, Tamsin, 27, will be keeping her company throughout the 26 miles.

"I'm glad she is running with me, we'll keep each other going and it will be nice to have somebody to talk to," said Kirstie.

Neither of the sisters have run a full marathon before but when the idea came up the two thought it was a great idea and a good way to raise money for their chosen charity, Epilepsy Action.

Kirstie, who is studying for a Phd in vascular research at the University of Bradford, said: "I have always fancied running a marathon.

"A lot of people run for cancer research and epilepsy is one of the smaller charities that often misses out."

Kirstie has had epilepsy since she was 18 and until recently suffered daily epileptic fits.

But thanks to new medication they are down to one every two weeks.

The duo have put collection boxes in local shops and cafes near their homes in Thornton village and their father is collecting money in Spain where he lives.

The sisters have been training for the event since November with a gruelling six-day-a-week schedule that includes three-and-a-half hour runs at the weekend.

But clashing timetables have stopped them from training together.

The marathon will be the first time the two have run a long distance and Kirstie said that as well as being welcome company her sister will also be able to take care of her if she has an epileptic fit.

"Most people freak out when they see people having fits and call for an ambulance, but my sister knows what to do," she said.

"It'd be really annoying if I came round only to find myself being taken away by ambulance men who won't let me finish the race."

Epilepsy Action operates a freephone helpline on 0808 800 5050.