A SALISBURY doctor is lacing up her running shoes as she prepares to run the London Marathon in what will be her 70th marathon run.

Dr Niki Meston, 53, is a Consultant Chemical Pathologist at Salisbury District Hospital and is taking on the mammoth run to help raise money for the Stars Appeal’s Pembroke Cancer Unit Fund.

The marathon will take place on Sunday, April 23, and Niki is also running the race in honour of her mum Maria who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016.

She is no stranger to the challenge, this year will mark her tenth London Marathon since she first ran it back in 1996.

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She said: "It’s fantastic to be doing the London Marathon for the Stars Appeal. The money raised will make a big difference to local cancer patients and help enhance their care."

The Stars Appeal is Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity which helps support the Pembroke Unit by investing in the latest diagnostic and treatment equipment as well as enhancing the unit itself with furnishings, décor and artwork.

Donations also help fund projects supporting cancer patients including free aromatherapy, headwear for patients who lose their hair, free drinks for chemotherapy and oncology outpatients, and a prehabilitation programme to help patients prepare for surgery and treatment.

Niki said: "My role in supporting cancer patients has always been the most rewarding bit of my job."

She said: "Cancer hadn’t really touched me personally until my mum was diagnosed with cancer. She died in her 60s, well before she or I were ready to let her go."

She continued: "The Stars Appeal is an absolutely brilliant charity. It allows us to give patients at Salisbury a much better experience than you would get from just the ‘essential bits’ of the hospital service."

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Dr Tracey Parker, Consultant in Blood Cancers and Head of the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service was looking for a runner to take on the race, and Niki jumped at the chance.

She said: "The money that Niki and our supporters raise makes a huge difference to local people affected by cancer. The Stars Appeal funds physical health programmes and relaxation therapies, which help our patients through some fairly gruelling treatments."

She continued: "The Stars Appeal hospital Wi-Fi helps our cancer and leukaemia patients stay connected with their family, friends, and school. The importance of this is immeasurable."

She added: "Thank you to everyone who supports the Stars Appeal and makes all of this possible. Good luck Niki."

Niki is planning to run the North Dorset Village Marathon and Relay which takes place a week later on Sunday, April 30.

She has her sights set on completing 100 marathons.

To donate to Niki, click HERE