Sophie Al-Mudallal will be taking on the London Marathon for a cause very close to her heart on Sunday.

Her brother James was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 18 months ago, at the age of 23, which motivated Sophie to run for the MS Trust.

The Forest Gate student, 19, has been juggling training with studying for her A Levels over the past few months, aiming to get the grades to study marine biology at university in September.

She has received a boost from Bumpkin Restaurant in Stratford, where she works part-time as a waitress, with the company donating an entire day’s service charge to the charity – more than £1,000.

Her proud mother Sally said that Sophie “hopes to raise as much money as she can for a charity which works tirelessly to help those affected by MS” with her first marathon.

To sponsor Sophie, visit virginmoneygiving.com/SophieAlMudallal