TWO kind-hearted local runners will be trekking through the streets of London on Sunday, April 18, in a bid to complete the London Marathon.

And when Marieanne Benson and Suzy Emsden lace up their running shoes they will both be focused on the money their efforts will raise for their chosen charities.

Middlewich runner Marieanne is hoping to raise money for the specialist cancer hospital, Christie's, in Manchester.

Marieanne, who has been running seriously since last year, found out after Christmas she had been selected and was 'shocked, surprised but delighted' by the news.

She said: "I've had a few relatives who have been treated at Christie's, as well as a very close friend. They do a fantastic job but need all the support they can get."

She is now looking for people to make donations to support her fundraising.

As well as running to raise money for charity, Marieanne has her own ambition for the race.

She said: "I want to prove to myself that I can do it. I don't care about my time or position, I just don't want to fall in a heap at the end of it all."

Suzy Emsden, a trainee paediatrician from Northwich, will be one of a team of 1,000 runners taking part to support the Children Against Leukaemia charity.

The team is hoping to raise £1m and Suzy hopes to personally raise £1,000.

The 30-year-old mother of one began running late last year. She decided she needed to have a target to train towards and gave herself the challenge of running the London Marathon.

Suzy, who is on the reserve list to be one of the Little Miss mascots, is looking forward to the event, especially crossing the finishing line.

She said: "I have been training very hard for this, although I don't think Paula Radcliffe has anything to worry about."

To make a donation to Marieanne Benson, contact her on 01606 841499, or Liz Corfield on 01606 737610.

To make a donation to Suzy Emsden, contact her on 01606 77543 or make an online donation by visiting www.bmycharity.com/V2/suzyems