A LOCAL baker and her seven-year-old sister have been busy pounding the pavements in preparation for the Brighton Half Marathon.

The Tettershell sisters Shakira, 19, and Kearna, 7, from Peacehaven, are taking part in the race because their brother Jordan, 22, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was five years old.

Shakira will go the whole hog and run the 13 miles of the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday, February 22, while Kearna will take part in the Brighton Half Youth Race.

Shakira, who works at Catwalk Cakes in Bond Street, Brighton, is training three times a week for the race.

The half marathon goes through some of the city’s most iconic sights, starting at Madeira Drive on the seafront, covering the city centre, Royal Pavilion and stretches of coastal road.

She said: “Jordan always experienced real problems with using needles so managing his condition with daily injections was difficult but he will soon be fitted with an insulin pump which will help him better control his blood glucose levels.

“I hope both mine and Kearna’s participation in the running events will not only help support other people living with the condition but will also help find a cure for the serious lifelong condition.”

Nikki Verra, Diabetes UK regional fundraiser for the South East region, said: “We are really grateful for Shakira and Kearna’s fundraising efforts as the Brighton running events require dedication, time and commitment and we wish them the very best of luck.

“The money raised will help us offer vital support to people with diabetes and fund pioneering research into the condition.”

The Sussex Beacon organises the Vitality Brighton Half Marathon.

It is the charity’s largest annual fundraising event to support a specialist HIV care centre in Brighton.

To sponsor Shakira and Kearna visit justgiving.com/shakira-tettersell