AN ENERGETIC couple are preparing to run the London Marathon in aid of two charities close to their hearts.

Darren Huggins and Jo Tryner, from Droitwich, are hard at work training for the 26.2 mile run, which takes place on Sunday, April 23.

The pair, who live in Mulberry Tree Hill, have already raised hundreds of pounds for Malvern Special Families and The Brain Tumour Charity, but are aiming to hit an ambitious £2,000 target.

Ms Tryner, aged 48, began running last June after her mother died just five weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She enrolled on the Couch to 5K programme with Droitwich Athletics Club and is now training alongside her partner.

Mr Huggins, aged 43, said: "She has done really well. She is up to 15 miles now. She is building it up. Training is hard, but it's even harder when you're starting from scratch.

"I'm running for Malvern Special Families. They are a fantastic local charity. We have just been trying to raise as much money as possible for these two charities."

To help reach their £2,000 target, the couple are hosting a charity music night on Saturday, March 4 at the Memorial Hall in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester.

The event, which starts at 7.30pm, features live music from Roger Roberts Music and Voices Unlimited, followed by a disco.

And – on the marathon day itself – the devoted pair will complete the course together, hoping to cross the finish line "arm in arm".

"We will stick together for the whole marathon," said Mr Huggins.

"It will be nice to do it together and finish together. It is going to be emotional, it would be nice to pass the finish line arm in arm."

To buy tickets for Saturday's event, email thehareandthetortoisemarathon@hotmail.com

To make a donation visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/DarrenHugginsAndJoTryner