Royal Mail worker Mick Neal from Abingdon and his daughter plan a twin assault on Sunday's London Marathon.

Mr Neal, 52, from Curtis Avenue and daughter Sharon, 24, of Cotman Close, have set themselves a target of £2,000 to help the Riverside Playgroup which is currently housed in the old electricity showrooms in West St Helen Street.

The group used to use the St John Ambulance headquarters in Caldecott Road, but that was forced to close after a serious arson attack last December.

The playgroup also lost equipment and toys.

Miss Neal said: "Dad and I sat down together to discuss what charity to support and decided to help the Riverside playgroup. It does such a valuable job and needs all the support it can get."

The Neals are no strangers to long distance running.

Seven years ago Mr Neal completed the London Marathon in four hours 20 minutes but his best time was three hours nine minutes in one of the eight Abingdon marathons in which he has competed.

"I enjoy long distance running and we are both looking forward to London.

"We shall be running together so I can give Sharon support.

"She completed the Reading half-marathon this year but this is the first time she has had a crack at a full marathon."