Two friends will run the London Marathon, on April 26, in aid of the Animal Health Trust.

Ben Blacklock, 30, from Ely, an expert ophthalmologist for the trust in Newmarket, and Oriol Obradors Barat, an equine vet at Isle Veterinary Group in Ely, hope to raise £3,000.

Ben said: “I’ve worked for the Animal Health Trust since 2011 so I have witnessed first-hand all of the great work that the charity does.

“It’s been really challenging to find time to train, especially as I am running with a friend who is also a vet, but the AHT is a cause we both feel very strongly about.

“It will be an amazing accomplishment not only to run in the London Marathon but to know that we’re raising money to help improve the health and welfare of so many animals through the important work and research the AHT does for veterinary medicine.

“For me, this is a once-in-a-life-time challenge and I’m looking forward to representing the AHT in the London Marathon.

“We’ve still got a long way to go with the fundraising however – we’re nearly a third of the way there!

“If anyone would be kind enough to sponsor us there are donation boxes all around the AHT or you can find our online Virgin Money Giving page by searching for Ben Blacklock on the Virgin Money Giving website.”