A group of three friends are hoping to raise thousands for a maritime charity.

Kieran Harris, Maria Regan and Andy Syrett are planning on running the London Marathon for Seafarers UK.

They are hoping to raise £4,500 between them.

Andrew got places for both Kieran and Maria to run and for the past six months they have been training hard.

Kieran, who has also been training with his friend Steph Austin, said: “It’s a challenge to myself, something to aim to do.

“I would like to do it in under three hours 50 minutes, under four hours anyway.”

Resort manager Andy Syrett, 24, of Chestnut Avenue, Heybridge, said: “Ever since I was young I have always run.

“I ran the marathon last year for Seafarers UK because my friend is in the Royal Navy.

“Seafarers UK are grateful for what they get, they are a small charity.

“When I got my number through I was so excited again.

“When people do sponsor you, it does make it all worth it, it doesn’t matter what it is, it means I’m running for them.”

To donate to Kieran visit: justgiving.com/kieranharris6

To donate to Andy visit: justgiving.com/A-SYRETT/

To donate to Maria visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MariaRegan