RUNNERS from across the county are gearing up for the run of their lives this weekend. Nerves are stretched and excitement building in the run-up to the 25th Flora London Marathon on Sunday.

Among the 30,000 competitors taking part will be 44-year-old John Magill from Trowbridge, who has raised more than £1,500 in sponsorship for Get Kids Going, which provides wheelchairs for disabled youngsters.

He said: "I really wanted to run to help disabled children and young people to get going, especially those kids who can't even walk, never mind about run.

"The children desperately need wheelchairs to get about and compete in sports such as marathons."

l Also running for charity will be Trowbridge care worker Lee Priestly, 22, who will be raising funds for deafblind charity, Sense the organisation for which he works.

It will be the first marathon for the former Hardenhuish School pupil who grew up in Chippenham and now lives in Lyneham.

He said: "My job has inspired me to run the London Marathon this year for Sense.

"I have seen that with the right services and support, deafblind people can develop their talents and choose how to live their lives. I am proud to be raising money for such a worthwhile cause."

l Husband and wife team Chris and Ali Atkinson have been training hard to take part in the race.

Mr Atkinson is running for his club, the Avon Valley Runners, while his wife has a charity place raising money for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Mrs Atkinson, 39, was inspired to run for charity after her best friend, Sharon Gingell, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

She said: "Sharon is coming up to London to cheer me along. She is really pleased I am doing it for the Breast Cancer Campaign."

l Marathon regulars Ted Rockliffe, 59, and his 34-year-old daughter Jacqui will also be taking part, both hoping to set a new personal best.

Mr Rockliffe decided to raise money for the Wessex MS Therapy centre in Warminster because a friend had the illness.

He said: "I have been training really, really hard and I am hoping to do it in under three and a half hours."

His daughter will be one of the 24 competitors taking part as a member of the Avon Valley Runners.

More than half a million people are expected to line the streets of the capital to cheer on the runners along the 26.2 mile course, with many more watching the drama unfold from the comfort of their living rooms.

Jane Scott, 41, from Hilperton will also be running for the Breast Cancer Campaign in memory of her cousin, Sharon Vizard, who died of the disease two years ago. She said: "It is my first marathon and I am nervous but also really looking forward to it."