SEVEN local runners will be lacing up their trainers to tackle the Virgin Money London Marathon for Twyford-based charity Daisy's Dream next weekend.

On Sunday, April 22, thousands of runners will descend on the streets of London to take part in the world-famous marathon.

They will be joined by seven people from Reading and the surrounding areas running in support of the charity, which helps support bereaved children and young people.

Liam Smith, 26, from Woodley, was one of the first runners to join the team after the charity supported him and his family following the death of his father.

Joanne Jones, 45, from Twyford, and Christina Brown, 41, from Newbury, want to support the charity following the death of close friends and family in recent years.

Solicitor Amanda Phillips-Wylds, 35, is taking on a double marathon for the charity, having already completed the Paris Marathon before running on London.

Marathon veteran Barrie Jackson, 48, from Goring Heath, will be running his 13th marathon in London, and chose to support Daisy's Dream after attending the charity's 21st anniversary ball last year.

Tom Buckland, 34, from London will be joining the team, along with Michael Hill, 54, from Earley who has previously supported the charity by running the Reading Half Marathon.

Claire Rhodes, fundraiser at Daisy’s Dream, said: “We’re very lucky to have such a fantastic line-up of runners this year, each training and fundraising hard to raise vital sponsorship - with the support of their friends, families and employers. As a small charity with no government funding, the fabulous fundraising efforts of people such as our Dream Team are essential for us to continue delivering our professional bereavement support to children across Berkshire, when they need help the most.”

To support the team, search Virgin Money Giving, or visit www.daisysdream.org.uk/donate.