A husband and wife are running this year’s London Marathon to mark a pledge they made when she was diagnosed with cancer five years ago.

Donna Longhurst found out she had breast cancer just three days after competing in the 2005 event.

She and her husband Kevin vowed then that — if she was still alive in five years’ time — they would take part in the 2010 marathon side by side.

"The last five years have been pretty tough and there now isn’t really any more new treatment I can be given," said 38-year-old Donna. "But I’m still here and always praying for a miracle."

Donna has undergone mastectomies and a hysterectomy, and last year underwent the most aggressive chemotherapy possible in the latest attempt to curb her cancer.

"At the moment, my condition appears to have stabilised," she said.

"I don’t know whether it’s the treatment, or the fact that I’ve been on a vegan diet since November, but I currently feel kind of okay, and have a little bit more energy.

"This is actually the best I’ve felt in five years — I don’t know whether it’s a good sign or a bad sign. Maybe it’s because I have got my mind set on the marathon, and taking part in it again has been mine and Kevin’s big goal."

The couple live in Templeton, where Kevin, aged 48, is general manager of fuel distributors K.P. Thomas and Sons, which is run by Donna’s brother K.P. "Kevin is very active in work, but has never run a marathon before, so he has a bit of training to do," said Donna. "I’ll probably be walking every inch of the way, but I’ve dedicated each mile to people I know who have been touched by cancer, so that will keep me going."

To show her appreciation for Macmillan Cancer Support and Pembrokeshire’s Sandy Bears charity — which has provided huge support to the couple’s eight-year-old daughter, Lowri, in coming to terms with her mum’s illness — Donna and her friends are organising a huge coffee morning and raffle today (Saturday).

This will take place in Templeton village hall from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

"Our last coffee morning for Macmillan brought in £1,650, so we’re hoping to beat this, and with our marathon sponsorship, we’re looking to raise over £6,000 for the two charities," said Donna.

More than £1,300 worth of prizes — including 500 litres of home heating oil, a tonne of coal, a mountain bike and 20 different hampers — are being offered in the raffle, with tickets on sale on the day.

Donna and Kevin will be at the event wearing their marathon shirts, produced by Wheelers Embroidery of Yerbeston, and bearing sponsors’ names.

Anyone who would like to offer sponsorship or find out more about the couple’s marathon challenge, can call Donna on 07968 575310 or visit www.donnandkevin.moonfruit.co.uk.