A school has raised more than £2,000 in support of a teacher's marathon fundraising effort.

Jack Hunt School in Peterborough held a non-uniform day to back Mrs Ellwood-Jeal, a design, technology, and food teacher, who is training to run the 2025 London Marathon.

She is raising money for Sue Ryder, a charity that helps people through difficult times.

Mrs Ellwood-Jeal said: “In April 2018 my father was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer.

"Having undergone a bladder reconstruction at Addenbrookes Hospital in September 2018, which was successful, the cancer had sadly already spread too far and in February 2019 after a very brave battle my father passed away on March 24 2019.”

She described Sue Ryder as a "fantastic charity" that provided her family with vital support during her father's illness.

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She said: "The nurses, carers and doctors allowed us to be with my dad day and night and gave my dad the dignity he deserved for his end-of-life care- a right that everyone should have.”

Mrs Ellwood-Jeal acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed her determination to raise as much money as possible for the cause.

She said: “Anyone that knows me will know that this is going to be a huge challenge, but one that I am ready to take on to raise as much money as possible for this wonderful cause.

"I have been overwhelmed with the kindness, generosity and compassion shown by the staff and pupils at Jack Hunt School, since I shared my story in recent assemblies about why I am supporting Sue Ryder through running the London Marathon next year.”

So far, Jack Hunt School has raised £2,078.

Mr Jon Hebblethwaite, Jack Hunt’s headteacher, said: “We are so proud of Mrs Ellwood-Jeal and the wider Jack Hunt School community for the fundraising for this marvellous cause.”