A reporter will be going the extra mile to raise money for a cancer charity supporting her cousin - dressed as a zebra.

First time half-marathon runner Phoebe Cooke will begin the race outside Hampton Court Palace tomorrow to raise awareness and funds for the NET Patient Foundation, the only charity supporting people suffering from neuroendocrine cancers (NETs).

Phoebe’s cousin Bella Cooke was diagnosed with NETs in her early twenties after initially suffering from back pain. Now 32, Bella has received invaluable support from and advice from the charity over the last ten years.

“This is the only charity in the whole country which funds research into this cancer and Bella is one of thousands of patients they’ve supported in the last ten years. Anything that anyone can spare would be hugely appreciated,” Phoebe, who works for the Advertiser’s sister paper, the Barking and Dagenham Post, said.

The rare form of cancer arises from cells of the endocrine and nervous system. Because they can present in almost any organ of the body and symptoms can mimic those of other more common diseases they are often difficult to diagnose.

Explaining her motivation, Phoebe said: “I thought it would be good to do something that would push me. I wouldn’t just want to ask people for money.

“I feel quite nervous, but excited.”

Phoebe continued to explain how she selected her costume because the charity’s mascot is a zebra - based on the idea that a zebra might sound like a horse, but isn’t. A reference to the ease with which it is possible to miss NETs as a cause of illness.

“I’ve put in the ground work, but there’s no doubt about it - it’s going to be challenging. I’ve never run this far before,” she said.

So far Phoebe, who lives in Palmers Road, Bethnal Green, and runs regularly in nearby Victoria Park, has raised £842.

“I’m determined. Whatever happens I’ll do my best to cross the finishing line,” she said.

For more information about the charity visit netpatientfoundation.org. To sponsor Phoebe go to justgiving.com