A team of work colleagues have been busy training ready to fly to Germany to compete in the Berlin marathon to raise money for charity.

Ellgia Recycling were looking at ways of supporting the community and decided running a marathon would be an ideal way to provide an incentive for a long term fitness campaign while also bringing in funds for a good cause.

The idea turned into a challenge and then into an entry for the Berlin Marathon.

On September 24, Ellgia’s team of five runners will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime.

Joe Hemsley-Rudd, sales and marketing director, said: “The brutal training regime has already claimed a couple casualties, both with knee problems, and one withdrawal due to a well-timed pregnancy - some people will do anything to avoid training!

“Friends and family have stepped up to fill in the gaps and the team is at full strength.

“With only a few weeks to go, the 18-22 mile training runs are pretty gruesome, but despite a combined age of over 100 years, MD Steve Crook and technical director Cameron Murdoch are on track for a great achievement, along with their fantastic teammates Jack, James, and Jacqui.

“The team is running to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, a truly amazing charity that provides support for so many people affected by cancer.

“And we want to make a big difference by raising £10,000, so we are asking our fantastic partners, customers, friends, and colleagues to make a donation and help us to help Macmillan.”