Two student paramedics are among fifteen London Ambulance Service staff taking part in the London marathon this weekend.

Rachel Peacock and Caroline Kelly, from New Malden ambulance station, have been training hard for the event, to raise money for the chief executive’s charity, MERU.

The team is hoping to beat the £12,000 in sponsorship that was raised last year for the charity which designs and builds tailor-made equipment for children with disabilities.

Miss Kelly said: “I feel a range of emotions – excitement, anticipation, nervousness, happiness, self doubt, confidence and pride.

“It’s always been one of my ambitions to run the marathon and I feel privileged to be running for a really worthy cause.”

Over 100 ambulance staff will be on duty for the event on Sunday together with colleagues from St John Ambulance.

Rachel Peacock said: “I’ve never run more than 10k before, but after a year with the Service I’ve become really motivated to be more active.

“I’ve been very lucky to secure a place and am delighted to have the chance to raise money for MERU in the process."

To support the runners visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/lasmarathon.