A STOURBRIDGE woman is preparing to lace up her running shoes as she takes to the streets of Birmingham for charity.

Lydia Slim, 29, will be joined by her 27-year-old sister Charlotte, from Langley, on the 13.1 mile Great Birmingham Run in aid of the MS Society.

The duo’s father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis – a disease that attacks the central nervous system – more than 20 years ago, so the sisters hope to raise at least £200 for the charity which advises and supports those suffering with the illness.

Charlotte said: “Neither Lydia or I have done anything like this before, but we really wanted to do something to raise money and awareness for the MS Society and challenge ourselves at the same time.

“The disease has really impacted on his and our lives. Not a lot of people understand what MS is and how it affects the person suffering with it.

“It damages and disrupts messages travelling from brain to body- they can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all.

“It is a deteriorating disease which makes MS sufferer’s entire bodies, eyesight, speech, and mind work poorly, and has many draining symptoms that progress and get worse as time goes on.”

The sisters are currently meeting weekly at their parent’s house in order to train together for the challenging half marathon on October 18.

They are also looking to take part in more fundraising challenges in the future for the MS Society, including a bungee jump and a skydive.

To support Lydia and Charlotte in their run, and donate to the charity, visit www.justgiving.com/lydia-charlotte-slim