IF anyone has a good reason to run 26 miles in one go, it’s Pete Partridge.

The policeman watched niece Evie Doherty, who is three, bravely battle as she underwent a life-saving heart transplant.

And now Pete, 29, wants to show just how much Great Ormond Street Hospital in London means to Evie and all the family.

Pete will be taking part in this April’s London Marathon in aid of the hospital’s children’s charity.

He said: “I wanted to try to give something back. They had done so much for Evie and her mum, Nicole and so much for people on a daily basis. I don’t think you can repay someone who gives someone the gift of life but we can try to make things a little easier for them.”

Evie, who lives in the Harwich and Manningtree area, underwent the transplant last year after a donor was finally found.

Previously she’d spent months hooked up to a mechanical Berlin heart which was keeping her alive.

Evie is now recovering well and while she has regular check-ups, is able to attend nursery school twice a week.

Pete, an officer for Suffolk Police, said: “She was so brave when she was in hospital, there were times when she was really unwell and when you saw her asleep but she couldn’t wake up, it was really upsetting.

“But even when she was on the Berlin machine she was happy, so it was mixed emotions.”

Pete and fiancée Lauren had been due to get married last year.

But they put plans on hold to ensure Evie can be a flower girl on their big day, now set for this June.

“Evie is doing really well,” he said. “Even when she gets a cold that can be quite serious but she just smashes it away.”

Evie, Nicole, Evie’s dad Paul and Lauren will be among the crowds supporting Pete at the Colchester Half Marathon next month.

Peter has already raised £2,000. Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/pete-partridge.