THREE friends are set to rock out to raise funds to help repair a church.

The trio are running Liverpool’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on May 25 in aid of St Anne’s at Thwaites, which is in need of desperate repair.

The church has been described as ‘the gem of the neighbourhood’.

Louise Cox-O’Shea, 39, along with her two fundraising friends Rebecca Thorpe and Rachel Murray, have been putting in the miles in the lead up to the big day by running five times a week - while completing the odd marathon along the way.

Mrs Cox-O’Shea - along with her husband and four children - attend weekly services at the church, and she said the building has a special place in her heart.

She said: “My mother Dorothy Cox died last year after suffering from multiple sclerosis and she is buried in St Anne’s churchyard - so I am also doing this marathon in remembrance of her.

“I also run a ‘messy church’ day at St Anne’s once a month, which involves painting and craft work for children.

“So far, we have raised over £300 but our target in £1,000.

“We’re splitting the funds raised fifty-fifty for the church repairs and the multiple sclerosis society.”

Churchwarden Peter Foord said: “We do a fundraising walk but we’re asking all involved to help Louise and her friends and sponsor them.

“We need £120,000 to fix the west wall, which has troubled us since a previous grouting project 10 years ago.

“We’re desperate, but we’ve recently been given a £2,000 grant from CGP (Coordination Group Publications).”

l If you would like to donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/louise-coxoshea