A mum of two from Letchworth who says she “hates running” has decided to mark her 30th birthday by taking on the London Marathon for a cause close to her heart.

The Comet: Claire Osborne, pictured running the Hertfordshire Half Marathon at Knebworth House in November 2017, will be running the London Marathon for Crohn's and Colitis UK. Picture: Courtesy of Claire OsborneClaire Osborne, pictured running the Hertfordshire Half Marathon at Knebworth House in November 2017, will be running the London Marathon for Crohn's and Colitis UK. Picture: Courtesy of Claire Osborne (Image: Archant)

Claire Osborne is set to run 26.2 miles on April 22 in aid of Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and has a charity race night lined up on March 3 as she bids to reach her £2,500 target.

The 29-year-old, who turns 30 two weeks before the marathon, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of eight, and her dad Simon Hill and brother Thomas also have the condition.

It relates to bowel inflammation and is thought to affect one in every 420 people in the UK, with symptoms such as crippling stomach aches, tiredness, and anaemia. There is also a much greater risk of developing bowel cancer.

There is currently no cure, with a combination of genetic and environmental factors thought to cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue.

The Comet: Claire's brother Thomas Hill has had to have a number of operations having been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 13, and also suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis. Picture: Courtesy of Claire OsborneClaire's brother Thomas Hill has had to have a number of operations having been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 13, and also suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis. Picture: Courtesy of Claire Osborne (Image: Archant)

Claire told this paper she “hates running”, but has her heart set on completing the marathon effort having previously completed a ‘couch to 5k’ programme last January.

“I thought it would be cool to do the marathon one day, and April 2018 would be the best time as I also turn 30,” said Claire.

“It will be great to tick off something from my bucket list!

“The only charity I could have run for is Crohn’s and Colitis UK. I am passionate about the cause as it is so close to my family and I, and the charity do a fantastic job at making us feel normal, informed and welcome.

“They have helped my dad and many others come to terms with having this disease. Maybe one day they’ll even find a cure.

“I want to make sure that there is a brighter future for those suffering with the disease, especially considering my children may have the condition.”

So far Claire has raised more than £2,000 for the charity, and is hosting a race night from 7.30pm on March 3 at Lordship Farm School in Letchworth’s Fouracres.

Tickets cost £10 and include a fish and chip supper, with a raffle also held on the night. There is no bar, but attendees can bring their own drinks. Proceeds from the raffle will go to Crohn’s and Colitis UK, while funds from ticket sales will be donated to a local charity chosen by the Letchworth Ladies Circle, which Claire is a member of. Email letchworthladiescircle@gmail.com to buy a ticket.

To make a donation to Claire’s marathon cause visit justgiving.com/claire-osborne30.