A TEAM of colleagues are taking to the starting line in a bid to raise money for a Hampshire children's charity.

Andy Kirkpatrick, Barbara Proctor and Richard Davies, who all work for Alfred McAlpine Homes Southern Ltd in Chandler's Ford, are running in the London Marathon.

They are bidding to raise £5,000 for Fareham-based Kids - an organisation that supports local families who have children with special needs or disabilities.

The Kids centre has provided over 2,000 places for local families since it opened in 1990.

It will be the second time father-of-two Andy has competed in the 26-mile contest - last year he collected £3,300 for the same charity.

The 35-year-old said: "I'm not a typical runner - I'm 15 stone but I really enjoy doing the marathon. I'm looking forward to it, it will be a fabulous day."

Andy, a customer care manager, added: "At the moment we are training 20 miles a week and doing various other exercises and we will increase that."

Sales and marketing director Richard, 46, from Locks Heath, said: "Running the marathon has been my ambition. Before I started I'd never even run more than three miles so it will be a challenge.

"I'm excited about it and a bit nervous. I think Kids is a very good cause. It is a staff charity and we have formed quite a close bond with them."

Barbara, from Chandler's Ford, said "I'm looking forward to the challenge but it is going to be very hard work. It is the first time I've done it."

The 29-year-old added: "It is better to run in a team because there is a good team spirit and it is easier to train and push each other at the same time."

If anyone would like to sponsor the team they can ring 07881 504812.

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