A REDDITCH woman will be running The Bupa Great Birmingham Run in honour of her big brother, who sadly died earlier this year.

Samantha Lloyd, 26, will be taking part the run, the biggest half marathon in the Midlands, in memory of brother Wayne who fought and won his battle against cancer but tragically died after a major complication of a stem cell transplant.

She will also be raising vital cash for Cure Leukaemia.

Wayne, described as a loving father and popular man, was diagnosed with Leukaemia in October 2012.

Doctors said his only option was a stem cell transplant and it turned out that Samantha was a perfect match.

In March 2013 she donated her stem cells to him and by August of the same year he was cancer free.

Wayne remained well until late November when he was diagnosed with graft verse host disease.

He died on January 13 earlier this year.

Samantha said: "My brother fought cancer and won. But unfortunately the graft verses host disease got the better of him.He was my brother and my best friend. He was such a great character and a loving man. He was the best brother anyone could have asked for.

"I wanted to do something for Wayne - something big. Having never ran before I started running and decided that a fundraiser would be a good idea."

Formerly known as the Birmingham Half Marathon, the run takes in some of the Birmingham's most iconic sights including the Bullring and the Cadbury's factory in Bournville and attracts competitors from across the UK and around the world.

It takes place on October 19.

Samantha added: "I want to raise as much money as I can to help other people suffering with Leukaemia and their families. And most of all my big brother Wayne."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/samantha-lloyd2.

For information about the charity, visit cureleukaemia.co.uk.