A charity fundraiser is about to set off on her world record-breaking attempt to run across the United States.

Mimi Anderson, 55, is attempting to set the women’s record for the 2,850 miles by completing the distance in just 53 days.

The current record was set in 1979 by Mavis Hutchinson from South Africa, who ran from City Hall in Los Angeles to City Hall in New York in 69 days and two hours.

Now ultramarathon runner Mimi, from Bell Lane in Smarden, is running in support of cancer charity Marie Curie in memory of her father who died from bladder cancer in 2007 and her husband’s brother who died from lung cancer.

She said: “My family have lost two very special men who were loved and still missed but their last few days were made easier by the unconditional support given by these amazing nurses.

“Part of my run is to raise money to say thank you for everything they have done not only for me but for countless other families.”

The charity provided care to both men, and is the country’s leading provider of care for people with terminal illnesses.

She previously completed the Freedom Trail in South Africa in 2014, running 1,400 miles in 32 days with her partner Samantha Gash from Australia.

She also holds the female records for John O’Groats to Lands End – 840 miles in 12 days 15 hrs 46 mins, set in 2008 and M2M - the most northerly point of Ireland to the most southerly point – 345 miles in 3 days 15 hrs 36 mins, set in 2012.

Her running career began when she was 36, as a way of combating anorexia. She started on a treadmill at the gym, and is now a holder of Guinness World Record holder.

She will set off from Los Angeles today and has appealed for charity donations online.

To find out more about Marie Curie visit the charity's website or for questions about terminal illness, call the support line on 0800 090 2309.

To find out more about Mimi's challenge, visit her JustGiving page.