West Berkshire runners get set for London Marathon

Signaller Marine Jackson had to pull out of this Sunday’s 26-mile race because it clashed with his honeymoon, so his friend Greg Filmer has agreed to run in his place.
Mr Filmer of Westfield Road, Thatcham, is raising money for Hospiscare Exeter, which provides free care and support to people who are terminally ill.
The 34-year-old, a sales manager for Swift Group, Newbury, said: “As with any hospice, they really do look after all patients and give them the best treatment and medication. “Unfortunately I lost my dad nine years ago to bowel cancer. He was submitted to a hospice locally. I have nothing but praise for what they do and how well they look after the patients.”
Newbury man Marc Gudgeon will also be running in memory of a loved one, his sister-in-law Alice Walker, who died of bowel cancer two years ago.
The 38-year-old, who is competing in his first marathon, has already raised £2,100 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Fellow Newbury resident, Simon Carter, aged 39, is raising money for the NSPCC’s ChildLine service.
“I ran the marathon for the NSPCC last year and raised £2000. It was an amazing experience – months of training in the cold winter nights, followed by what I think was the hottest London Marathon on record.
“As a parent myself, you think of any child in pain, distress or need as though they could be one of your own. I hate that feeling and felt compelled to enter the marathon for the NSPCC and ChildLine again,” he added.
West Berkshire athletics club, Team Kennet will be represented by three runners: Mike Sheridan, James Wilding, and Dave Mitcham, who are all running to raise money for the club.
Thatcham man and Tadley Rugby Club player, Thomas Bailey has already raised more than £2,200 in sponsorship which will be donated to Vision, a charity that supports the blind, visually impaired and dyslexic children.
The 34-year-old is hoping to beat his personal best of three hours and 23 minutes
Meanwhile Dan Reeves, aged 25, of Mandarin Drive, Newbury, is running in aid of Lepra Health in Action.
If you are running the London Marathon on Sunday, send in your pictures and details, including your time and how much you raised for charity, to James Williams at james.williams@newburynews.co.uk