TWINS Lisa and Laura Porter are set to run a half-marathon to help find a cure for their gran’s Parkinson’s disease.

The 27-year-olds, who live two doors from each other in Witney, will run the Reading Half-Marathon on Sunday, to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

Their grandmother, Phyllis Porter, 87, who also lives Witney, was diagnosed with the condition in 1994 and now has trouble walking without aid.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that causes problems with movements.

There are 127,000 sufferers in the UK, but currently no cure.

Lisa Porter said: “Our gran does not get out much and she is unsteady on her feet. She has good days, but then really bad days as well.

It is difficult and I wish there was more that could be done to help her. That is why we are raising money for Parkinson’s UK.

“I would like to know the money could be given to research, so she could be better and not have to take so much medication.”

Their friends and relatives have already given £1,173 – beating their initial target of £1,000 – but Lisa said they wanted to continue to raise cash.

She added: “We want to raise as much as possible.”

Lisa described herself and her sister as “gym mad” and they have already run nine half-marathons between them. Their best time is 1h 41m.

Lisa said: “We are quite competitive – not really against each other – and we are looking to beat our best time and raise as much as we can.

“We push each other along and it is interesting, because we tend to peak at different times. We intend to cross the line holding hands.”

Grandmother Phyllis Porter said: “I am very proud of them. Some days are better than others, but I have got to put up with it and I have fought it every day. Parkinson’s UK needs money to do more tests until they find an answer for it. It is very important to raise money for them.”

To sponsor the twins, visit justgiving.com/portersvsparkinsons