These brave runners are taking on the London Marathon - wish them luck!

Essex County Council worker Vicki Wellington, 28, of Rayne

Brentwood Live:

Raising money for Worldwide Cancer Research in memory of her mum, Sally Wellington. 

She said: "My mum, Sally Wellington, sadly passed away from cancer in 2009.

"She was Sports and Leisure Development Officer for Mencap and previously worked at Edith Borthwick school, played hockey and table tennis and competed in athletics for the county when she was younger whereas I've always been a couch potato!

"I'm keen to raise as much sponsorship as possible to help fight cancer!"

Donate at www.justgiving.com/vicki-wellington

Apryl Hammett, 44, of Springfield Road, Chelmsford 

Brentwood Live:

Running for Pancreatic Cancer UK

She said: “This will be my 58th marathon; when I was running my 50th I met an inspirational guy called Nigel.

“He told me he was living with pancreatic cancer and was not only doing that marathon, but aiming to do the Brighton marathon as well.

“He was so positive it made me want to help do something to help.

“This year I will be wearing a Mad Hatters outfit – always good for some

crowd interaction.”

Donate at:uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AprylHammett

MATT Dechamps, 40 and Julie Lloyd-Gane, 45 of Arnold way, Chelmsford

Brentwood Live:

Running in aid of HEART UK.

Julie said: “My father-in-law passed away suddenly last year and I’m now learning more about HEART UK and their wonderful work.”

Matthew added: “Knowing we’re fundraising and thinking of those we know affected by heart disease will get us through.”

Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/JulieLloyd GaneandMatt Dechamps

Stephen Turner, 31, of Lockside Marina, Chelmsford

Brentwood Live:

Running for Children with Cancer UK.

He said: "I am aiming to reach my fundraising target of £2k to support this great charity and finish the marathon in a pb of 3.5 hours.

"I am also 'thebookrunner' (@thebookrunner) and aim to inspire people into running, self improvement and entrepreneurship by sharing my training, inspiration and learning (from the audio books I listen to when running)."

Donate at: virginmoneygiving.com/thebookrunner

Rob Walster, 25, of South Woodham Ferrers

Brentwood Live:

Running for Mind The Mental Health Charity

He said: "I’ve seen a close friend lose his mother to depression, I lost my grandmother last year to dementia and have seen great minds robbed of their identity.

"Mental health is an important issue which we tend to over look. It’s not just depression and dementia but it’s anxiety, agoraphobia, OCD and countless other issues.

"We’ve all been effected by mental health problems in some way. Whether it’s battling our own demons, seeing someone we love battle theirs or even losing a beloved public figure like Robin Williams.

"Getting through 26.2 miles is just as much a mental challenge as it is physical and running is a mediative experience for me, it only seems fitting that I run for the benefit of Mind."

Donate at https://www.justgiving.com/robert-walster

Nick Sadowsky, 23, from Chelmsford

Brentwood Live:

Running on behalf of The National Autistic Society.

He is a long term supporter of the charity after attending St John Payne School, which teaches pupils who have a diagnosis of autism .

Donate https://www.justgiving.com/NickSadowsky/

Abi Holland, of Chelmsford

Brentwood Live:

Running for Children with Cancer UK

She said: "I'm a Physical Education teacher at St John Payne Catholic Comprehensive School.

"My motivation behind running for this charity comes from the news that my four-year-old cousin was diagnosed with cancer.

"Tomas has been through a tough year of treatment, travelling to Germany with his parents for 6 weeks for specialist radiotherapy.

"Thankfully Tomas is now in remission and has just started school. However there are many out there that are not as lucky.

"Children with Cancer UK aims are to determine the causes, find cures and provide care for children with cancer.

"Thank you to all those who have already donated."

Donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/Abi-Holland1

Frankie Lambert, 25, of Chelmsford 

Brentwood Live:

Running for Walking with the Wounded.

She said: "This helps veterans and young people also who have had mental or physical injuries get back into work and normal living.

"Army charities have always been close to my heart due to having many friends and some family in the forces, some are still here to tell you their tales, others sadly fell at there line of duty.

"The charity is co founded by prince Harry himself which is another reason to pick such a brilliant cause to run for."

Donate at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/franceslambert1