A VALE woman will be taking part in her first marathon later this year in memory of her dad, a former Evesham police officer.

Shelley Morgan, aged 33, of Elmley Castle, is hoping to raise about £2,000 for Cancer Research UK by running the London Marathon in April to commemorate her dad, Eric Summerton, who served as a police officer in Evesham for more than 30 years.

After her dad lost his battle with cancer aged 54 in December 2010, Mrs Morgan decided to do something to support the charity fighting the disease.

She said: “He did a lot of fund-raising for charities through the years and did a lot of stuff for Relay for Life.

My dad was brilliant.”

Five years ago Mr Summerton, alongside his wife Sgt Diane Summerton, was awarded the south Worcestershire personal achievement award for dedication, commitment and courage to making a difference despite difficulties.

The couple were given the award in 2008, a year after Mr Summerton was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Speaking at the time, the head of policing in south Worcestershire Rod Reynolds said: “Both Eric and Diane have displayed tremendous strength of character and resilience, and the way they have both dealt with the pressure and trauma of such a difficult and stressful time has been an inspiration to us all.”

Mrs Morgan now plans to take over the fund-raising reins from her father.

She added: “I am raising money for Cancer Research UK in memory of him and in celebration of the amazing man he was.

“He spent his life always looking after others and made us so proud of him.

“I want to do something in his name to make him proud and continue his hard work of fund-raising.”

To support Shelley’s fund-raising, visit justgiving.com/shelley morgan