A police community support officer whose best friend has leukaemia is hoping to raise £1000 for vital research by competing in this year's Diss duathlon on Sunday.

A police community support officer whose best friend has leukaemia is hoping to raise £1000 for vital research by competing in this year's Diss duathlon on Sunday.

Sophie Martins, 27, is based at Diss Police Station, and already has pledges approaching £800 in sponsorship towards her target.

“My best friend Grace was diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2007 and is currently going through her treatment. She is doing amazingly well with all that she has faced, but I would like to do my part by helping to raise money for leukaemia research,” she explained.

She lives is appealing for people to sponsor her on line at www.justgiving.com/sophiemartins.

“The duathlon consists of two 5km runs and a 30km bike ride, so please help me make it to the finish line by supporting me,” added Miss Martins, who lives at Long Stratton.

The event starts at 9.30am at Diss High School and has attracted 130 entrants - the majority multi sports fans who belong to clubs.

Organiser Stewart Ingram said: “You have to be fairly committed to take part in the duathlon. It is run as a club event, but some people do come along to do it for run and to raise money. But it's not primarily for that reason. It's not like the London marathon!”

It is the third time the event has been held, and Mr Ingram predicted the winner would complete the course in about 1hr 30 mins.