Residents from Hertford are gearing up to take part in this year's London Marathon.

Mum-of-two Hayley Sinclair, 33, of Page Road, will be raising funds for KIDS, a charity that supports disabled children and their families, when she takes on the 26.2 mile (42km) race in April. 

Hayley, who has worked as a recruitment consultant providing carers for children with disabilities, said: "Visiting clients and seeing how much a little can help change their lives is quite amazing. 

"I would love to raise money for KIDS to provide more help and awareness." 

Hayley's fundraising target is £1,300.  Make a donation at www.justgiving.com/hayleysinclair. 

Another Hertford resident in training for the challenge is Leonie Madigan, of Birdie Way, who will be running in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), which raises awareness of sudden death syndrome. 

Leonie, 25, had a foot operation about 18 months ago and could not do much physical activity for three months. 

She decided to get back into shape and will be running with her friend, Alison Pearson, 41, from Enfield. 

Leonie said: "We pound the pavements of Hertford and Ware every morning and are astounded by the positive comments and encouragement we receive." 

They hope to raise £3,000 between them to cover the cost of a portable ECG machine, which tests patients for heart conditions. 

To sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.com/alleo