The 29-year-old, who works at James Taylor Partnership Dental Group in Castleford, will run the challenge to boost the coffers of charity Children With Leukaemia and the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice near Doncaster.

Charlie said: “I was inspired to take part because I know a couple who lost their son to leukaemia last year, he died in the Bluebell hospice.

“Eleven of us are running together – training is starting to get harder but I’m looking forward to it.”

Justify Spa on St Oswald Street – launched by the dental group last year – is donating £10 from every aroma stone therapy treatment to Charlie’s cause.

She is also appealing for sponsorship and donations before she races 26 miles round the Big Apple on November 2.

Charlie, who lives in Leeds, added: “A lot of my patients have wanted to sponsor me already.

“For the team to raise £10,000 would be fantastic but it is a lot of money. Even a couple of pounds makes a difference.”

To sponsor Charlie or make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/charliestevensonny2008 or www.bmycharity.com/charliestevenson.