A THURROCK mum will tackle a gruelling 100km run this weekend in memory of her brother and sister who both died following a battle with a harrowing illness.

28-year-old Sarah Mitchell, of Little Thurrock will complete an ultramarathon this weekend raising money for Little Havens Children’s Hospice who supported her siblings in their fight.

Sarah’s brother and sister, John and Bridie Philpott, were both diagnosed with Variant Late Infantile Battens Disease when they were each six.

John sadly died aged 16 in January 2013, almost exactly a year after Bridie passed away aged 13.

After John and Bridie’s conditions were diagnosed as terminal, the children and family were instantly contacted by the lifechanging Little Havens Children’s Hospice.

The Hospice brought joy to both the children and their family in harrowing times and became a home to them all in John and Bridie’s final moments and ‘limited time on this Earth’.

Sarah said: “This disease, an inherited disorder of the nervous system, emerges in early childhood and robs children of their lives.

“Both John and Bridie were left completely blind, suffering from mental impairment, a lack of motor skills and severe seizures.

“Little Havens is where John and Bridie both left this earth and joined the angels.

“We will never be able to thank them enough for what they have done for us.

“I am doing this in memory of John and Bridie Philpott.”

Sarah is beginning to repay the hard work of those at Little Havens Children’s Hospice for their incredible support by raising money for them by taking part in Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones this weekend.

The 100km challenge takes place along the Ridgeway, starting at the Chilterns and ending at the 5,000 year old circle in Avebury in the North Wessex Downs.

Particular support for Sarah has come from her friend Holly, who is also taking part in the race.

Walking the distance, however, is only half the challenge to Sarah who is taking part in the two-day race which involves camping overnight, providing a separate obstacle for Sarah to overcome on her journey.

Her busy work schedule and two daughters keep Sarah constantly busy, making her drive to train ever more impressive, but to Sarah the motivation is rooted in her determination to raise money for Little Havens Children’s Hospice.

Visit uk. virginmoneygiving.com/SarahMitchell46