MORE than 40,000 runners will be pounding the streets of the capital on Sunday to raise money for good causes at the 38th London Marathon.

Grayswood Motors salesman Dean Lucas is putting his best foot forwards for Macmillan Cancer Support to help boost the good work done for the charity by Sue Barnes, his boss Terry’s wife, who is on the Haslemere branch committee.

Impressively, Dean’s 26.2 miles London challenge comes just a fortnight after he competed in the Paris Marathon.

He told The Herald: “I started running with Liss Runners about a year ago who have helped and inspired my running. I signed up for Paris with a group of friends and was then lucky enough to get a ballot place in London.

“Realising they were only two weeks apart was daunting and I realised would be a real challenge, so I wanted to dedicate both runs to a worthwhile cause.

“I chose Macmillan because my boss’s wife is on the committee and I know they do an amazing job – everybody at some point will be affected by cancer and so many people credit the support they receive from Macmillan.

“Paris was my second marathon, having completed a Tough Trail Marathon in December, which I ended walking a lot of, due to an injury.

“A good friend and physio Michelle Norton has supported me to strengthen my ankle and get me to Paris injury-free.

“I have also attended her weekly class to build core strength alongside the running.

“Marathon training over the winter months was tough – especially in the snow – but made easier by friends and knowing I am raising money for a good cause. ”

The 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon will be a ‘first’ for Dunsfold runner Melanie Shone and she is asking her supporters to give her a big cheer at the 20th mile to help her stay the course.

Melanie is part of a team of 13 legal professionals running to raise funds for the London Legal Support Trust, an independent charity that supports free legal advice centres and agencies across London and the South East that help the most vulnerable people at a time of crisis, by helping reduce debt, combat poverty and homelessness and maintain individual rights.

“Please keep a look out for runner number 24198 and cheer loudly, especially from mile 20,” she said.

“Thank you to my very kind family, friends, and colleagues and the wider community for all your generous sponsorship.

“Your continued support means a huge amount to me. Extra special thanks go to the wonderful Sunday morning Dunsfold FitCamp team, for helping to get me marathon fit.”

Spirit of London award winners Matt Rees and David Wyeth officially opened the event on Wednesday for registration. They touched a chord worldwide when Matt stopped to help David reach the finish of last year’s race, which inspired this year’s #SpiritofLondon theme.

•To support Dean go to: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/lucas-438590-snb for Melanie – uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MelanieShone18