TWO long distance runners from Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club are preparing for their biggest challenge yet when they take on the London Marathon.

Caroline Cresswell, 42, of Burlish Park, Stourport and Rachel Heath, 27, of Blakebrook, Kidderminster, are preparing for their first full marathon.

Mrs Cresswell, a sales executive, said: "I have been running half-marathons for the athletics club for five years but I never thought I could do a marathon until now."

Mrs Heath, a train manager, added: "It is something we have always wanted to do.

"I'm a bit nervous but am really looking forward to it."

Mrs Cresswell is raising money for Leukaemia Care and has already managed to collect £600 towards her target of £1,000.

She said: "I feel passionately about any cancer charity. I have lost a lot of family and friends to the disease. I don't know of anyone who hasn't been affected by cancer. Leukaemia Care have been so supportive - their head office is in Worcester."

Mrs Heath is running on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support and has personal experience of the support the organisation can offer after it cared for her grandmother three years ago.

She added: "I have been reading blogs about the charity's work, which have really settled it for me. I was moved by people's stories. They were real tearjerkers."

Mrs Heath said she and Mrs Cresswell would train together three or four times a week and are good friends.

She added: "She's a lot faster than me, despite being older. It's a bit of a joke between us. I will definitely be having to keep up with her in the marathon."

Mrs Cresswell said: "You have to treat the marathon with respect because it's a long way but we are just going out there to enjoy ourselves."

The duo aim to finish the course in less than four-and-a-half hours.

The race takes place on Sunday, April 13. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/carolinecresswell or www.justgiving.com/rachelheath