TWO mums from Abbey Meads are in training for the London Marathon to raise money for visually impaired children.

Natalie King, 31, and Lucy Skittrall, 37, are neighbours who met at a party and decided to take up running together.

And the two competitors could barely run any distance when they took up the hobby eight months ago.

Now they are deep in training for the big race on April 17 and have many miles already under their belt.

Natalie, a science teacher at Hreod Parkway School, said: "When we started running we couldn't even run to the nearest lamppost and back.

"Now we're up to 13 miles. We're hoping to raise about £2,000 for Victa, a charity that supports visually impaired children and their families."

The two runners and mothers Natalie has a one-year-old son called Isaac and Lucy, a relocations executive, has sons Jacob, four, and Elliott, five train mainly at night when their children are tucked up in bed.

Natalie said: "We've been out in wind, snow and rain. We really are committed to completing this.

"The training is going well, so now we need to focus on the fundraising.

"There seem to be loads of people running for the big charities, so we wanted to choose a little one."

As part of the fundraising they are holding a charity quiz night.

She said: "We're also looking for corporate sponsorship in return for advertising space on our running vests, donations for the raffle which we will run on the night of the quiz and cash donations. Even small amounts will help.

"We'll also be packing bags at supermarkets and all sorts of other things to raise as much money as we can."

The quiz night is being held at Hreod Parkway School on March 11 at 8pm. Entry for a team of four costs £10.

Anyone interested in taking part in the quiz, or sponsoring Natalie and Lucy, should telephone 07967104277.