Footballing dads Leigh McCarron and Robbie White will be showing their sporting prowess on April 17 when they take part in the London Marathon.

Mr McCarron, 36, and Robbie White, 39, who run a Chippenham U8s football team, thought their hopes of taking part in the race had been dashed because they were unable to find entry places. But the charity Children with Leukaemia needed volunteer runners and enlisted the pair.

Mr McCarron, who works as a project manager for a London-based asset recovery company, said: “Until then we hadn’t set out to do any fundraising but everyone has been so generous. We are really pleased with how much has been raised because it is all for a good cause.

“Local businesses and individuals have been donating items to auction and people have really got behind us. We are not going to let them down.”

Mr McCarron, who has lived in Corsham all his life, and is married to Joanne, will be joined by Mr White, who is also a project manager for another firm, and has lived in Corsham for 20 years. The duo had hoped to raise £3,500, but after smashing that target quickly they are now aiming for £7,000.

Fundraising events held at the Rudloe Community Centre and at The Swan at Kingsdown raised £800 and £2,000 respectively.

On April 22 an auction evening and karaoke night will be held from 8pm at the Great Western pub in Corsham.

The same pub will then host an Easter egg hunt and race horse betting day from 2pm on April 24.

Also running will be father and daughter duo Alan and Charlotte Glasspool.

Mr Glasspool, 56, and his daughter Charlotte, 27, who is a clinical psychologist, from Bushton near Wootton Bassett, have been training rigorously.

The pair are appealing for sponsorship and expect to raise about £5,000 for Sense, the national deaf and blind charity for people suffering with the dual sensory loss.

Mr Glasspool works for ACE Group in London, which will be match-funding the total amount Mr Glasspool raises. He said: “We’ve been running now for four months and have been following a training schedule published by the organisation and in the Running Magazine,which is basically a 16-week schedule and it seems to be working.

“I have to say a big thank you to Wootton Bassett, where we live; the people there have been extremely generous, and to the local businesses who have helped so much.”

To sponsor the pair, visit: www.justgiving.com/charlotte-glasspool or www.justgiving. com/alan-glasspool.

Jess Swanborough, of Long Ridings, Chippenham, will be running her second London Marathon in aid of the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

She said: “I’m hoping to do a better time than last time but it all depends on what happens on the day. But it will be good to raise some money and awareness for the branch.”

Mrs Swanborough, 31, is also holding a quiz night on April 8 to boost the coffers. It takes place at Chippenham Town Football Club, call (01249) 656089 for more details.