A WOMAN from Beverley is preparing for a 10K challenge to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Karen O'Connor, 54, will take part in Jane Tomlinson's Hull 10K in memory of her brother, Kelvin Buck, 52, of Beverley, who died in October last year.

Kelvin, who had chest problems, was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited disorder that can cause lung and liver disease, in 1993.

He underwent a double lung transplant at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital in April last year.

Although the operation was initially successfully, Kelvin then suffered chronic rejection.

He was cared for at Dove House Hospice in Chamberlain Road, east Hull, during the last two weeks of his life.

Now, Karen, an auxiliary nurse at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, wants to raise as much money as possible for the hospice by taking part in the Hull 10K on May 23.

She also wants to raise awareness of organ donation.

Karen, who has previously completed five 10K runs, said: "The staff and everybody at the hospice were lovely and so kind.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble.

"I want to raise money in memory of Kelvin and make an effort to do something to repay them."

More than 3,500 of the 5,000 places available for Jane Tomlinson's Hull 10K have already been snapped up.

Jane died in September 2007 after losing her fight against cancer.

Despite her illness, she participated in a number of endurance challenges to raise money for charity.

Before her death, Jane had raised £1.85m for charity.

To sponsor Karen, e-mail kareno55@hotmail.co.uk