Runners from across the district are stepping up preparations as their big day approaches. The 2018 London Marathon is just over four weeks away and several of our readers are taking on the challenge for charity.

First up, Jody Wilkey, 42, of Witham, is running her first ever marathon in aid of Farleigh Hospice. She said: “I started running for fitness alongside the gym a few years ago and have run several half marathons for charity and just for fun. I chose to run for Farleigh as I lost two friends who Farleigh cared for and who continue to support their families.” Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jody-wilkey3 to sponsor her.

Mark Jameson, 46, also of Witham will also be running in aid of a charity called Phab. He said: “For more than 60 years Phab have been supporting adults and children with disabilities to make more of a life together by offering residential breaks and short stays at a number of clubs all around the UK.” Visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkJameson.

Tara Pretty, 33, of Colchester Road, Coggeshall, will be running in memory of her mother who died after suffering with multiple sclerosis. Tara will be run for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She said: “My mum died when I was 12 and it would have been her 60th birthday a couple of weeks ago. Before October I never ran more than ten minutes so it’s a challenge.” Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tara-pretty.

Donna Streeter is running for Children With Cancer UK and said: “Although my name is Donna, I’m known as the lady that runs with the big white husky. Pongo - my dog - has been doing all the training with me and couldn’t do it without him - I wouldn’t make it out my door without him.” Search ‘Donna Streeter’ on Virgin Money Giving.

Lisa Christian, the deputy headteacher at Beckers Green Primary School, will also take on the challenge, with her mother, Jo Eldred, and sister, Vicki Hore, for the children’s charity. Lisa said: “The charity was a combination of all our passions and after teaching children who have gone through the disease we felt it was a beyond worthy cause. We all run with Michelle’s Running Group in Great Notley and it will be my mum and sisters first marathon.” Visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/RayneMarathonGirls.

Lauren Springett will also represent Michelle’s Running Group and will take part for the Whizz Kidz charity. Lauren said: “My little girl Lillian is my number one supporter and also now a little mascot to our running club and models her own top.” Search ‘Lauren Springett’ on Just Giving.

Yasmin Hurford and her mum, Amanda Hurford, are running for PARC Essex. PARC is a children’s charity in Great Notley providing a respite service for families with children and young adults with disabilities. Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mandy-hurford.

Conor Culham of Clare Road, Braintree, will run for PARC too. The 18-year-old is one of the youngest runners but the former Tabor Academy student has been an athlete for Braintree and District Athletics Club since he was ten. Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/conorculham.

Emma Algar and Abby Green will run for PARC as well - the pair have children who benefitted from the charity’s care. Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-algar1.

Christina Lambert, 31, will run for Lullaby Trust, which helps families after losing a child to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Christina explained: “It’s a charity dear to my heart as my family lost my twin brother to SIDS when he was three months old. It promotes safer sleeping for babies.” Visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/christinalambert2.

Christine Wager, of Witham, is the assistant headteacher at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form and runs with Witham Running Club. The 34-year-old is running for Docklands Settlements which supports communities in east London. Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christine-wager1 Christine said: “Today Docklands Settlements provide a range of sporting, social and educational activities. A variety of activities are available for disabled people, and opportunities are provided for the elderly to tackle social isolation and loneliness.”

Lesley Anne-Perry will run for Tommy’s which funds research and supports families who have a miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth. Visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LesleyAnnePerry.

Adam Boulter, 21, of Sovereign Close, Braintree, is taking part to combat breast cancer. Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thebreastydumplings16.

Mr Williams, of Stisted Academy will run for Breast Cancer Care. Helen Thorogood, mother of Hayley - one of his students - said: “My son Hayden left his class last year where Mr Williams supported him after his cochlear implant surgery and helped him achieve fantastic results. He’s an inspiration and the best educator you could wish for.”