Dedicated fundraisers from Sandy, Langford and Stotfold will be joining the thousands running the London Marathon this weekend.

The Comet: National Autistic Society fundraiser Ricky Byrne running the Sandy 10 on Sunday. Photo: Sally JonesNational Autistic Society fundraiser Ricky Byrne running the Sandy 10 on Sunday. Photo: Sally Jones (Image: Archant)

Sandy electrician Ricky Byrne is taking on the marathon as part of a campaign to cover more than 150 miles through London on foot, on his bike and in the water.

Ricky last month ran the capital’s Big Half and London Landmarks Half Marathon, and is now set to enter the London Classics trio of events – Sunday’s London Marathon, the RideLondon-Surrey 100 cycle event in July and the two-mile Swim Serpentine challenge in September.

Ricky, who trains at Biggleswade Athletic Club, hopes his efforts will raise £2,000 to support Ambitious About Autism – a cause close to his heart as two of his three children are on the autistic spectrum.

Ricky decided to take on the cycle and swim challenges after being prompted by the London Marathon organisers – and will receive a special medal if he completes all three.

To support him visit justgiving.com/conqueringlondon.

The Comet: Langford mental health fundraiser Georgia Evans. Picture: Courtesy of Georgia EvansLangford mental health fundraiser Georgia Evans. Picture: Courtesy of Georgia Evans (Image: Archant)

Georgia Evans from Langford uses running to help manage mental illness, and is taking on the London Marathon in memory of a friend’s daughter who had the same condition.

Georgia is fundraising for Rethink Mental Illness, a charity which has helped her with conditions including borderline personality disorder.

She is running in memory of her friend Sue Sheppard’s daughter Charlotte, from Biggleswade, who had the same mental illness and tragically lost her life in 2009 – aged just 19.

“I am managing my illness, but it is a daily struggle and I have found that running helps,” said Georgia. “Rethink is a place where you can go to for support and information – so every donation counts. Please support me – it’s going to be tough, but I am a tough cookie and have survived worse!”

To donate, see justgiving.com/sue-sheppard4.

The Comet: Clifton marathon runners Adam and Alex Mason. Picture: Alex MasonClifton marathon runners Adam and Alex Mason. Picture: Alex Mason (Image: Archant)

For Clifton couple Adam and Alex Mason, the London Marathon is particularly meaningful as it marks the final steps in their journey towards adopting a child.

Adam and Alex are running the 26.2 miles to raise money for The Children’s Society, through which Adam was adopted as a baby. Soon after race day, they will find out if their dream to become adoptive parents will become a reality.

“Last year Adam took the London Marathon journey by himself, and I stood on the side lines cheering him on,” said Alex.

“This year we wanted to make that journey together, although I am not a natural runner and he might have to drag me over the finish line! The charity has been part of Adam’s journey since birth, they gave him his family. We see them a beacon of hope and an illustration of how positive placements and positive influences can and do have a positive impact on the lives of young people.”

To find out more and make a donation, see justgiving.com/marathon2018.

The Comet: Luke Green is taking on the London Marathon in memory of his grandparents. Picture: Sarah GreenLuke Green is taking on the London Marathon in memory of his grandparents. Picture: Sarah Green

Luke Green from Stotfold will be running in memory of his grandparents, who recently lost battles with cancer.

The former student at Stevenage’s John Henry Newman School has chosen to raise money for Move, a charity which supports young adults through cancer. The decision was inspired by the passing of grandparents Peter and Maureen.

He told the Comet: “It encompasses two things I am passionate about, sport and cancer. My grandparents always supported me and my siblings sporting activities when we were younger right up until we started earning money through part-time jobs.

“Money donated will go towards supporting other young adults experiencing a difficult period in their lives through the power of sport and physical activity.”

To sponsor Luke, visit justgiving.com/Luke-green11.

The Comet: Jane Bennett from Stotfold is raising money for Breast Cancer Now by running the London Marathon after seeing best friend Louise's inspirational battle with the illness. Picture: TBCJane Bennett from Stotfold is raising money for Breast Cancer Now by running the London Marathon after seeing best friend Louise's inspirational battle with the illness. Picture: TBC (Image: Archant)

Stotfold’s Jane Bennett will be pounding the streets of the capital in honour of her friend who is battling breast cancer.

Jane is taking on the challenge to raise money for Breast Cancer Now as a way of honouring her good friend Louise who has been going through treatment for breast cancer since 2016, and also has the BRCA gene.

Louise began chemotherapy in December 2016. She had a double mastectomy in May 2017 and became critically ill after the operation, having picked up an infection. The treatment nearly cost her her life. After recovering, the operation was successfully repeated in October 2017.

Jane said: “I have been inspired by the fight my best friend Louise and her family since the news that they carry the BRCA1 mutation. I am completely overwhelmed by Louise’s strength and bravery. Her battle to overcome her breast cancer has been both emotionally and physically gruelling.”

To donate to Jane’s cause, go to justgiving.com/JaneyBennett2018.

The Comet: Emma will be running the marathon on Sunday in aid of Spinal Research after her brother became paralysed following a motorcycle accident. Picture: Steve PuttrellEmma will be running the marathon on Sunday in aid of Spinal Research after her brother became paralysed following a motorcycle accident. Picture: Steve Puttrell (Image: Archant)

Stotfold’s Emma Jessup has been inspired by her brother’s bravery and positivity to raise money for Spinal Research by taking on the challenge.

Emma has so far raised more than £2,200 for the charity, which seeks to find a cure for spinal injuries.

She said: “I have made the bold and probably mad decision to run marathon in aid of Spinal Research, which has now become a charity close to my heart since my brother James had a motorbike racing accident three years ago at Brands Hatch circuit.

“James is now paralysed as a result of this, but he is the bravest and most positive person I know. I’m extremely proud of him and that is my inspiration for running.

“I want to raise as much money as I can for a cause which could one day see a cure for paralysis for James and others with spinal injuries.”

To sponsor Emma, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/emma-jessup-SAVMLMBONDS3332018-264.