SEVERAL Craven runners will be lining up at the start of the London Marathon on Sunday.

Among them will be Steve Matthews, who works at Skipton-based Principle Healthcare and is raising money for its charitable trust.

Since its foundation in 2011, The Principle Trust has helped more than 500 disadvantaged children to enjoy a holiday near Blackpool. It aims to support another 200 children this year.

"Steve has been training hard for the major event and is ready and raring to go," said a company spokesman.

To sponsor him, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Steven.Matthews2

Also taking part in the marathon will be Rob Brown, of Lawkland.

He will be raising funds for St John's Hospice, Lancaster, a cause very close to his heart as both his parents, Nora and Paul Brown, spent time there towards the end of their lives as they battled cancer.

Rob owns and runs the PlayBarn soft play centre in Settle, and has been fitting his training around opening hours, running before and after work.

"Never in a million years did I think I would be running in the London Marathon," says Rob. "But unbelievably the only way that St John's Hospice survives is by donations by people like me and you. This is a truly essential resource and you realise just how vital it is when you experience it at first hand."

He can be sponsored at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobertBrown23