SO inspired was a Malvern woman by her sister's battle against a devastating illness, she has decided to lace up her running boots and take on a half marathon. for charity.

Jessica Hewlett will tackle the Hereford Half Marathon in support of her sister Sophie, who has been fighting Anorexia Nervosa for three years, a mental illness that can "destroy families and take lives".

Jessica, 21, said: "I've not done anything like this before. I'm not sporty at all, more of a wine and a chocolate girl. I was the one who always forgot her PE kit at school.

"Running a half marathon is nothing compared to what she has gone through. I could see everything she was going through, and it was really hard. I couldn't believe how long it was going on before she was getting better.

"It has been tough, but I will always be there for her. I understand what she is going through now, that wasn't the case at first.

"I started training six or seven weeks ago, and I am really enjoying it now, and I'm excited for the race."

Sophie, who still lives in Upton where the sisters are originally from, says she is touched by the efforts of her "best friend".

The 24 year-old said: "I personally am so touched by her determination and courage, she is my sister and my best friend and she has supported me every step of the way."

Sophie was admitted to Huntercombe Hospital Cotswold Spa, in November last year. When she was admitted she weighed four and a half stone, and was wearing clothing suitable for children aged eight and nine.

Her BMI (body mass index) was that of a dead person's when she was admitted.

Sophie said: "I felt as though I did not deserve to wake up, let alone nourish my body with food at the time.

"The illness is often misunderstood and is associated with young girls who want to be thin. This is completely false. Anorexia Nervosa is a mental illness which takes over the brain and prevents rational decisions from being made. It can effect anyone.

"It destroys families and it takes lives. Jessica did not know a lot about the illness and she was under the impression that to get better from it, I merely had to 'just eat', which isn't the case. My sister has witnessed my struggle and watched her older sister almost die.

"I made it through, but without the support, patience and understanding I have received, I can truly say that I would not be here today."

Sophie has been an inpatient for six months, which means she has been allowed to visit home, but is due to be discharged completely by June.

Jessica said: "It feels like we are reaching the light of a dark tunnel. I'm so pleased she can be discharged."

Jessica will be running for the eating disorder charity Beat, on Sunday, May 10.

To donate to her cause visit justgiving.com/Jessica-Hewlett