Wendy Gidman, aged 49, and her daughter Pippa Gidman, aged 19, will be raising funds and awareness of charity Spinal Research, a cause close to their hearts.

The pair were inspired to raise funds and awareness as Darren Gidman, aged 51, Wendy’s husband and Pippa’s dad, underwent surgery for seven hours at the Walton Centre to remove a tumour in his spine which was wrapped round his spinal cord in 2014.

NHS dentist Darren, who owns Stockton Heath Dental Practice in Grappenhall Road, was off work for four months while he recovered from the operation. However, he has been left without sensation in 40 per cent of his body, which includes no feeling from the chest down on one side of his body, the knee and foot on the other side. This affects his balance and he is constantly uncomfortable.

Wendy, a health economist at National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in Manchester, said: “Darren was probably born with the tumour, but as it grew over time it caused worsening symptoms. He had tingling and pain in his arm on and off for around 14 years, which was initially put down to a trapped nerve. After an X-ray and MRI he eventually got a diagnosis.

“Darren has always been very athletic and is now limited in what he can do. But I consider him to be fortunate; there was a five per cent risk he would be completely paralysed from the chest down after the surgery.”

The mum-of-two said there is no treatment for spinal cord injuries and very little research in the area.

The family, from Appleton, has been tirelessly fundraising by selling clothes on eBay and holding fundraising events. The race takes place on Sunday, April 23.

Wendy and Pippa, who are members of Warrington Road Runners, have been training for the 26.2mile distance since December.

Upping the miles has been an extra challenge for Pippa, who has managed to juggle training with her studies as she nears the end of her first year of a financial maths degree at the University of York.

Pippa said: “The training has been hard but knowing how much money we have raised has kept me going. We will get through the marathon together and celebrate with my dad, who will be supporting us along the route, afterwards.”

The London Marathon will help to kick start celebrations for Wendy as her 50th birthday falls in June.

To help them increase their donations visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Wendy-Gidman.