Meet the Berkshire runners limbering up for the London Marathon

The 42nd annual edition of the race will be the last to take place in October, reverting to its traditional spot in April from 2023.

Hundreds of sportspeople will take to the roads to raise money for causes close to their hearts such as Leoni, 23, from Thatcham.

Leoni, 23, from Thatcham

Leoni (right) and Nadia with their mum Judi (Image: Sue Ryder)

Her mum died soon after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, and Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice stepped in to provide end of life care.

“It was a really difficult time but the hospice was such a nice environment for mum to be in during her final week.

“My sister Nadia and I stayed with her the whole time, along with my mum’s dog, which meant so much to her.”

After their mum passed away, Leoni and her sister Nadia, 25, were inspired to give something back by taking on some fundraising challenges for Sue Ryder.

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Ed, 30, from Woodley

Ed Stephenson who is running the London Marathon (Image: PACT)

A new dad from Woodley is running the London Marathon for an adoption charity.

Ed Stephenson, 30, will be taking part alongside nine other members of Parents And Children Together (PACT), a Reading-based charity that provides adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and community projects.

“I want to do my little bit by fundraising for this amazing charity,” said Ed.

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Slough Homeless Our Concern

A group of volunteers from charities for rough sleepers in Slough are getting ready to set off on the virtual London marathon this weekend.

On Sunday, October 2, volunteers from Slough Homeless Our Concern (SHOC) and Trinity will complete the 26.2 miles through Slough.

“It just seemed like a great way to both raise awareness about the charity and hopefully get one step closer to ending homelessness,” said Stuart Adnitt.

Read the full story here.