MARATHON mums Kelly Browne and Louise Dando are spurring each other on as they prepare to take on 26 miles through the streets of London.

The two friends, both mothers of two from Weymouth, have been training together for the London Marathon after deciding to take on the challenge and both are raising funds for causes close to their hearts.

Kelly said: “It’s the first time for both of us and we really saw it as a personal challenge while making some money for our charities at the same time.”

Kelly, 35, who is running for the Elimination of Leukaemia Fund (ELF), added: “I have had a few friends’ parents who have been diagnosed with leukaemia and I had a friend who had a bone marrow disorder who passed away last year.”

Louise, 44, who is fundraising for the Miscarriage Association, added: “A family member went through a miscarriage not so long ago and a work colleague and very close friend of mine had two in six months.”

Kelly has a fundraising target of £1,500 for her charity and pal Louise is hoping to raise £1,300, and things are going well for the girls so far.

Kelly said: “We know a lot of people and we are not frightened to ask for sponsorship. People have been really generous.”

Kelly and Louise started preparing for the marathon by running for 20 minutes back in August last year and have kept each other going as they have stepped up their regime.

Kelly said: “Training has been going OK. We have had a few illnesses and picked up a couple of injuries but we’re going to do it no matter what.

“It’s hard work but we go running and swimming together. It makes it easier and we don’t need to listen to iPods because we just chat to each other the whole way.”

Kelly added that they were looking forward to sampling the atmosphere of the London Marathon, and they couldn’t wait to see their daughters at the end.

To help raise funds, they are staging a quiz night at Weymouth Angling Club on Tuesday, April 14, at 7.30pm. Entry is £10 for a team of four.

To sponsor Kelly and Louise visit websites www.justgiving.com/kellybrowne and www. justgiving.com/louisedando

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