TWO runners from Malvern will be raising money for armed services charities in this year’s London Marathon.

Tom Rose will be supporting the Royal British Legion and Nicola Turrell SSAFA the charity, formerly known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

Mr Rose said: “I have been supporting the British Legion ever since I left the army in 1975.

“Training for the run has got off to a slow start this year but will gain pace as time goes on. The Malvern Hills are such a fantastic place to go out for a run.

“I spend a lot of time in the mountains of the UK and do a bit of long distance walking.

“My three children and their families live in Malvern and give me loads of support in my activities with the British Legion.

“I’m the poppy appeal organiser for Barnards Green and am a member of the Powick branch of the British Legion.

“Please support me in my effort to raise money for our ex-service men and women and their families.”

After leaving the army, Mr Rose was an electrical engineer working on, among other things, the construction of an underground power station at Llanberis in North Wales.

He is also the DofE gold award expedition supervisor for Worcester Sixth Form College.

He has a page on the website justgiving.com.

Nicola Turrell, a local carer and former teacher, has risen from couch to London Marathon runner in just 10 months. She has set herself a target of raising £3,000 for SSAFA.

She said: “This time last year I gave myself the challenge of running the London Marathon and set about running on the Malvern Hills several times each week

“I now feel much fitter and healthier and I’m determined to make it to the finish line and to fulfilling my dream of completing the marathon.”

As part of her fundraising bid, Nicola’s husband Geoff, himself a keen guitarist, contacted renowned guitarist Chris Woods, who was quick to offer his support and is performing a charity concert at Colwall Village Hall.

The concert is on Sunday, March 3, at 7pm with support from Malvern band The Poachers. Tickets can be obtained in advance from wegottickets.com. Mrs Turrell also gas a page on the website justgiving.com.