Thousands of runners will face the race of their lives later this month at the London Marathon.

In our marathon round-up we look at three Merton residents gearing up to take part in the gruelling event, which will take place on April 25.

It will be the 29th time professionals and amateurs have attempted the 26.2-mile course in the heart of the city - last year competitors raised £47m for good causes.

Kathy Simper

Kathy Simper from Morden, who is registered blind, is relishing the challenge of her first marathon.

Mrs Simper, 47, said: “Although I'm excited, it is a little daunting. My family keep joking that I won't be able to make it, but I'm determined to prove them wrong."

The mum-of-four will tackle the course with a running partner acting as her guide. Mrs Simper is fundraising for the Royal National Institute for the Blind - and knows first hand how much a donation to the charity can do.

She said: "My husband, Steve, is also blind so RNIB has made a real difference to our lives. Steve's a big fan of the talking books service and our house is full of RNIB-designed gadgets that make life a bit easier, but really that's just the tip of the iceberg.

“RNIB helps people who have lost their sight find their lives again, but right now they can only reach one in three people, so please, dig deep and help them reach everyone."

To sponsor Kathy visit virginmoneygiving.com/wendyballard.

Haydon the Womble

A Wimbledon sporting icon has already attracted thousands of pounds in sponsorship.

Pledges are flying in for AFC Wimbledon’s Haydon the Womble - also known as Dean Parsons. The mascot, normally seen cheering his team on at Kingsmeadow, is taking on the challenge for Tadworth-based good cause the Children’s Trust.

Mr Parsons said: “This is an amazing children's charity that I have visited personally, and I cannot help but be touched by the strength and courage of the children, and the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers.” He also said his marathon effort would “spread the word further about the mighty AFC Wimbledon”.

On Monday Mr Parson’s fundraising total was more than £2,200. To donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/Haydon-the-Womble.

Stephen Sutton

One runner will be sure to make his son proud when he goes for gold later this month.

Stephen Sutton, assistant manager at A E Halfhide Jewellers in Wimbledon, said: “I Have pledged to raise £1,700 for Scope, a charity very close to my heart as my son Jack has cerebral palsy.

“Although we are very lucky that Jack’s condition is very mild I wanted to do something that would benefit the many who struggle in every day life with cerebral palsy.”

The 38-year-old, who lives in Kent, said he has been running 45 to 50 miles a week in preparation for his first marathon.

To donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/stephensutton.