Two Ipswich runners are taking on the London Marathon to raise cash for brain injury charity Headway Suffolk.

Sue Vincent and Jo Fellowes will tackle the 26.2 mile course around the capital on Thursday, April 22 - the first time two people have run in support of the charity.

Mrs Vincent, 46, is already a capable runner and a member of the COES Rushmere Community Runners who has already completed 13 half marathons.

She works as a trade support assistant at Mediterranean Shipping Company in Ipswich and witnessed the effects of a brain injury first hand when one of her colleagues suffered a stroke just after Christmas.

She said she had taken up running four years ago.

“The first few were spent running on my own but then I decided to go to my local Parkrun in 2016 and everything changed.” she said.

“I have met some wonderful people through my running and I can honestly say I haven’t looked back since.

“2018 was always going to be my year to run a marathon but never did I think it would be London.

“So when I was approached by RCH/Headway Suffolk to take on the challenge, there was no chance of me saying no.

“I’m so grateful to everyone for this opportunity and I certainly hope to do you all proud and raise lots of money for his amazing local charity. I have 13 half marathons under my belt but this is definitely the biggest challenge of my life so far.”

Mrs Fellowes, 39, who works in education at Suffolk County Council, and has also been running for four years.

She became aware of Headway Suffolk through a fundraising appeal for Christmas meals at the charity’s dementia group, which meets on the second Friday of the month at St Augustines Church in Bucklesham Road.

The group means a lot to her as both her grandparents lived with dementia in their later years.

She said: “I am raising money for Headway Suffolk, a fantastic local charity, which does amazing work for people with dementia and brain injuries.

“My grandparents both suffered with dementia so this is a cause very close to mine and my family’s heart. The group supports those living with dementia, and their carers, providing a safe and sociable session to enjoy a fish and chip lunch, to make friends and gain support from one another.”

To donate search Suzanne Vincent and Joanna Fellowes at uk.virginmoneygiving.com