SHE may not be the running type but Laura Valentine is pulling on her trainers to help a close family friend.

The 26-year-old will face her fears and run the Manchester Marathon in a bid to raise £1,000 for The Christie, after family friend Mick Grimes was diagnosed with lung cancer.

To help her reach her target, Laura is holding a charity auction and raffle at the Half Moon pub, in Tyldesley, on Sunday at 4pm.

"I chose The Christie hospital as I feel this is a charity that is very close to home for many people. I am doing the run for Mick, who is currently fighting cancer," she said.

"The training for the marathon is going all right at the moment. I am going out running about three to four times a week and following a training plan that is helping me loads.

"But I'm just not the running type. I have done a half marathon and 10k runs but I am not exactly built for running.

"I will be happy just to finish it but I am looking to get over the finish line in around five-and-a-half hours. I want to raise at least £1,000 for The Christie."

Laura, of Oak Street, Tyldesley, has known 52-year-old Mick all her life. Since he was diagnosed last year, he has undergone chemotherapy at The Christie and is now receiving radiotherapy at The Christie's Salford unit.

A Manchester United pennant and signed Amir Khan gloves are just some of the items that will be auctioned at the event, while raffle prizes include a mini valet from United Valeting Centre and a luxury facial from Emily's Elegance.

Raffle tickets are £1 or £3 a strip and are on sale at Cumfi Cutz, or donations can be made to Laura by visiting uk.

To donate visit: www.virginmoneygiving.com/LauraValentine.