TWO Preston workers are about to find out that raising money for charity is a real marathon effort when they slog out 24 miles around London.

Steve Cooper and Rita Iddon are both taking part in the 1999 Flora London Marathon on Sunday, April 18.

Rita, who has worked at the college for six years as a technician cleaner, says she has always been a keen runner.

Her run is in aid of Leukaemia Research - a charity which has always been close to her heart since she lost her father to the illness.

She said: "training has never been easy because I have two young children to look after.

"My partner, Tom, has completed 13 marathons and is encouraging me all the way.

"I'm very excited about the whole event, and I am not bothered how long it takes me to finish the course as long as I cross the line and get my medal to prove I've done it."

Colleague Steve Cooper, who works in the Fulwood college's marketing department, will also be making his debut in London this year.

He has made a miraculous recovery from a double Achilles tendon operation last year, and only started running in December.

Steve is running for the National Meningitis Trust and is hoping to raise a small fortune for their research projects.

He said: "It was a great feeling to get a letter saying I had been accepted to run this year's London marathon.

"After a few days, I realised what I had taken on in terms of the training schedule you have to keep to.

"I'm running about 50 miles a week at the moment and although I'm not going to win this race to be first I'm going to make sure I reach the end."

To sponsor or support the duo, call 01772-225024.

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