THE auntie and grandma of a one-year-old boy with a rare disease have joined forces in the fight to help him. 

Forget the stigma over in-laws - 28-year-old Chloe Robbins relies on advice from her mother in law Sarah, 55, when it comes to running. 

Chloe, who is from Blandford and Sarah, from Winterborne Stickland, are training for tomorrow's Great South Run to raise funds for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, a cause close to their heart. 

Their nephew and grandchild Teddy, one, was born with the rare liver disease biliary atresia.

Chloe said: "He had surgery when he was just a few weeks old and although he is doing well at the moment we know he has battles ahead of him. 

"CLDF have been there for his parents with support and information and we know they will be there for Teddy as he grows up. There is currently no cure for childhood liver disease so the research they fund is really important to us, as is raising awareness. 

"We were keen to support CLDF and thought the Great South Run would be a good way of doing this as well as a challenge for us to complete."

Sarah, a nursing sister at Dorset County Hospital, is a regular runner and has helped Chloe train for the big event,
Chloe said: "I hated the thought of running before I started my training and never thought I would be attempting to run 10 miles.

"Training is hard at times and it was difficult getting back into it following my wedding and honeymoon but I am determined to do this for Teddy. Knowing that people have sponsored you and you are doing it for a great cause makes you get up and go."

Alison Taylor, chief executive of CLDF said: "CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. 

"In order to do this however, we rely entirely on voluntary donations so we are delighted to hear that Chloe and Sarah are doing this for us. It’s a real commitment and we hope Chloe enjoys her first Great Run experience."

Support Chloe at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chloe-miles1 and Sarah at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-burrows12.