These brave runners will be taking on the London Marathon - wish them luck!

Emma Conroy, 41, of Moulsham Lodge, Chelmsford

Running for Chelmsford charity Farleigh Hospice

"Farleigh Hospice are the most amazing local charity who offer free care and support to people dealing with life limiting illness.

"I have challenged myself to run the marathon because I wanted to prove to myself I could after having back surgery due to a difficult pregnancy and being told I wouldn’t be able to run long distances again.

"I have raised the money through weekly bake sales, online donations, bag packing in M&S and a few fun raffles and games at work."

Donate at: justgiving.com/Emma-Conroy4.

Lee Corbett, of Chelmsford

Running for Chelmsford charity Helen Rollason Cancer Care

"It’s sad to say but we all know someone affected by cancer, a loved one, family member or a friend.

"It affects the individual that is ill and also the people around them.

"I’ve been lucky, beating cancer twice with the support of my wife Angela, family and friends, but like most people I’ve lost people to cancer as well.

"The experience of my treatment left Angela and I feeling that we needed to do something, give something back.

HRCC provides support for the patient and the family which during my treatment was key for both of us.

"Just knowing people were there to talk, to have a massage, to de-stress you, was key to getting through this period in our lives.

"We have held a number of fundraisers to support this great charity, but running the Virgin Money London Marathon 2016 is a personal challenge.

"Those that know me will know I’m not the fittest, in fact the only thing I’ve run is a bath!

"It’s also an opportunity to continue my fundraising for this amazing charity and as I am hoping to start a family soon I would also love the opportunity to get into shape."

Donate at justgiving.com/Lee-G-Corbett

Sophie Russell, 26, of Boreham, Chelmsford

Running for Chelmsford charity Farleigh Hospice with her brother Sam Wrigglesworth, 23

"We are running for them as our dad, John Wrigglesworth,(Pictured above on Sophie's wedding day) passed away there four years ago to bowel cancer.

"This year would of been his 50th birthday and we wanted to do something to help celebrate that in his memory.

"Farleigh hospice played such an important role at the end of my dads life, not only for him but for my family also.

"It made it very calm and peaceful and allowed us to say goodbye how we wanted.

"They have been huge support to myself, my mum and my brother since.

"We cannot thank them enough."

Donate at: justgiving.com/Sophie-and-Sam

Victoria Perrin, 33, of Rayleigh

Running for Chelmsford charity Farleigh Hospice

"After losing a loved one I have seen how much hospices help and support families.

"Farleigh Hospice have been wonderful at supporting us as a team all the way.

"Knowing how the money with help people makes me feel so proud of running for a truly wonderful charity.

"This is such a personal achievement for me also, only having ran 5k before, now I'm up to 20 miles through training.

"But I'm also raising a fantastic amount of money thanks to a lot of generous people."

Donate at justgiving.com/v-perrin

Hollie Galvin, 24, of Witham

Running for Chelmsford charity Farleigh Hospice

"I'm running the London marathon 2016 for Farleigh Hospice as I was so inspired by my friend who ran it last year.

"The atmosphere from the crowds was incredible.

"So far I've raised more than £1,500 for my charity, which I'm so pleased about.

"Raising the money gives you the motivation for those long Sunday runs knowing that you're going to help those in need.

"The training has been tough some days but it's going to be worth it and one to tick off the bucket list!"

Donate at virginmoneygiving.com/holliegalvin

Ed Borrett, of Springfield

Running for Chelmsford charity Farleigh Hospice

"I will be running for the second time this year in memory of my brother-in-law Lee Abbott, who tragically passed away in August 2013 after a short battle with bowel cancer at the age of 35, leaving behind my sister Abbey and two young sons Zachary and Sebastian, now six and four-years-old.

"When Lee was alive he used to tell my nephews they were being lazy like Uncle Ed so as a mark of respect I wanted to run the marathon in 2014 in his memory to show how much he meant to us all.

"I was very unfit to begin with but managed to finish the marathon in 5:36 time - and lose over three stone in the process - so now I want to carry on that good work to continue to keep his memory alive for my nephews and am looking to finish close to 4:30 this time."

Donate at justgiving.com/Ed-Borrett4

Robert Peacock, 64, of Flitch Green

Running for Chelmsford charity Farleigh Hospice

"In 2009 and 2010 I suffered heart attacks and had four stents fitted to my main artery.

"It was a wake up call so I joined the local gym.

"Thanks to the support of my wife, who encouraged me to take up jogging again, I've run the Great North Run three times and the Royal Parks Half Marathon.

"I've never run a marathon before have always wanted to.

"So far I have raised £1339 hope to reach £2,000.

Donate at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/robertpeacock1

John Mean, 58, of Holmans, Boreham, is running for Farleigh Hospice with friend Alex Manktelow, 34, of Brentwood. 

John said: "I am running this year's London marathon for the fantastic Farleigh charity as part of the Sainsburys Springfield charity of the year.

"Farleigh is a brilliant charity helping those in Essex affected by cancer and other life limiting illnesses and to support those who have been bereaved."

Alex added:"Running for them as they are Sainsburys Springfield local charity but also because it is a great place which has so many heart strings and links to people all round, where Farleighs have done and will continue to do great work caring for people with life limiting illnesses."

Donate at : uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Sainsburysspringfield

Are you running in the marathon or do you know someone who is? Let us know! Email charlotte.austen-hardy@nqe.com or tweet @caustenhardy