An avid runner is helping raise awareness of a rare brain disease in memory of her dad, while fulfilling a promise to him at the same time.

Colette Roots, from Dartford, will be taking on the London Marathon in aid of the PSP Association (PSPA).

PSP, or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, is caused by a loss of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain and can cause problems with balance, speech, vision, swallowing and mobility as all movement in the body gradually shuts down.

Colette's dad, Lenny Hesmer, died of PSP in September.

Lenny first became ill in 2006 when he was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia and then bowel cancer. After contracting MRSA in hospital, Lenny began to lose his balance and fell regularly.

Blood tests revealed he had kidney failure and Lenny was out on dialysis after his body rejected the kidney transplant, which is when it was discovered he had PSP.

Lenny had struggled with a stiff neck, which affected his voice. He saw a speech and therapy team but his symptoms got worse. He became impulsive and was unable to walk or communicate.

The disease is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's or dementia and it has no cure.

The main symptoms include loss of balance, impulsive behaviour, irritability, muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech.

PSPA is the only charity in the UK dedicated to improving the lives of people living with PSP and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).

The charity provides information and support for people affected by the conditions whilst funding research into the causes, treatment and eventually a cure.

Colette has decided to run the London Marathon for the charity to ensure more people hear about the disease and can spot the signs and symptoms.

She said: "My dad was a fighter. He never complained and soldiered on. Before he passed away, I promised him I would run a marathon for him in aid of PSPA because so many more families need their support.

"By raising awareness and funds for this worthy charity, together we can work to educate more people on what PSP is and how to look out for the symptoms.

"We can provide the proper support and care families living with PSP or CBD need."

To donate to Colette's cause and keep up to date with her other fundraising activities, click here.

At the time of writing, Colette had raised £1,176 of her £2,500 target.