A Saltdean mother diagnosed with terminal skin cancer is taking on a marathon challenge as she vows to live life to the full.

Marie South will be joining thousands of runners in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday as part of her efforts to devote the time she has left to raising money for charity.

Mrs South, 48, also wants to create great memories for her family by taking on different challenges and events.

She is running the marathon to support the Sussex Cancer Fund, which supports the cancer centre based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The day before the race, she will be joining a team of dancers at Churchill Square in Brighton for Cancer Research UK's Cancer Slam dance event.

It is being held to promote the charity's women-only Race for Life races taking place across Sussex and the UK this summer.

Mrs South, of Cissbury Crescent, Saltdean, said: “Right now I feel fit and well and I’m still very active, so I want to get up on stage and inspire women to sign up.”

Mrs South, who is married to Mike and has a 19-year-old son, Ben, was diagnosed with skin cancer in January 2011 after having a mole removed.

She said: “When I was told it was a malignant melanoma, I didn’t realise how serious it was.

“I thought the fact the mole was removed and I just had to have three monthly checks meant I’d be fine.”

However, nine months later, the cancer had spread to Mrs South's lymph nodes and she was placed on a drug trial to try to control the spread of the disease.

She was told in November 2012 the cancer had spread to her liver.

Further treatment including chemotherapy tablets kept the cancer at bay for eight months, but it returned last August.

Mrs South said: “Now I know it’s just a waiting game really.

“So I’ve decided to concentrate on keeping as fit as possible and doing something really worthwhile by taking part in charity events such as the Cancer Slam.

“Health-wise I am in pain and on morphine but I’m happy and living my life to the absolute maximum and making great memories for me and my family.

“Right now, I’ll grab any exciting opportunity that comes along, such as the Cancer Slam. I’m passionate about motivating people to unite in the fight against cancer.”

To enter Race for Life in Sussex and learn how to do the Cancer Slam, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

To support Mrs South, visit www.justgiving.com/Marie-South.