TWO Swindon runners will be joining the thousands pounding the streets in this year’s London Marathon to raise money for Goldenhar UK.

Kirsty Heber-Smith and Pete Dewhirst, who met through local running group Shin Splints, will be taking on the 26-mile challenge for the charity which supports youngsters like little Morgan Sharpe who has the rare congenital defect.

Kirsty, 29, of Ashton Keynes, said: “I have worked with Alan Holmes whose grandson Morgan was born with the condition and it’s been inspirational to watch the amount of funds raised over the years for this great charity. When we got our ballot places through the post we immediately knew we wanted to give back to a charity that is close to our hearts.”

Pete first ran the marathon in 1981, and is looking forward to being put through his paces again on April 13.

The resident from Lawns said: “I am so excited to be running the London Marathon again after all these years.

“When Kirsty suggested taking up the challenge, as well as trying to raise a penny or two for Goldenhar, I knew I couldn’t think of a better challenge for 2014.”

Alan Holmes, owner of the popular music store said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people helping Goldenhar and raising money for the cause, especially as we couldn’t thank them enough for the support for us as a family over the years.”