Two lifelong mates from Welshpool are set to run the prestigious TCS London Marathon to raise funds for "amazing charities" close to their hearts.

Rachel Herbert and Katy Godsell, who became friends during their time at Llanfyllin High School, are ready to run the streets to rally funds for their select charities next year.

Ms Herbert has chosen to support the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital Lingen Davies Cancer Centre which serves people in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid-Wales.

At the same time, Ms Godsell is raising funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The chosen charities are near and dear to both women who have seen first-hand their work.

Ms Herbert said: "I am running the London Marathon in 2025 in memory of my brother, Matthew Turner.

"He was just 43 when diagnosed with cancer and died aged 44.

"After his diagnosis, I took Matthew to many of his chemotherapy and immunotherapy appointments

"The staff were absolutely amazing to my brother and, whilst he was there having treatment, he was comfortable and well looked after.

"I'm looking forward to taking on the challenge and raising as much money as I can.

"I chose Lingen Davies because of their amazing work in the community to raise awareness and provide support.

"I want to give back and hopefully help raise funds to help others."

Ms Godsell said: "I am honoured to be running the London Marathon for Birmingham Children's Hospital as our daughter Eleri has received so much ongoing support and treatment for a rare bowel condition, Hertzsprungs.

"At birth, she had lifesaving surgery and she continues to receive treatment to support her growth as a toddler.

"I am very excited to be running my first marathon and we, as a family, just want to be able to give something back and say a huge thank you to all the truly amazing staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital."

James Lunney, Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity’s challenge events manager, said: "Katy and family have raised over £7,000 for us in the past, all to say thank you for the amazing care their daughter, Eleri, has received at our hospital.

“We're excited to see Katy take on her first marathon in London 2025 and incredibly grateful for her passion to fundraise and inspire others to donate.

"100,000 sick kids are treated at our hospital every year and together, with the help of people like Katy, we can transform their experience."

Ms Herbert has revealed her son is currently receiving treatment at Birmingham Children's Hospital, similarly, Ms Godsell is an ex-breast cancer patient herself and understands the remarkable work the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre does for patients.

Tarrah Lewis, Lingen Davies fundraiser, said: "Running the London Marathon is many people’s dream and we have a limited number of places every year – they’re highly sought after.

"We had lots of applications and Rachel’s was tremendously strong, as she will be running in memory of her brother, Matt.

“Rachel has already raised more than £2,500 in sponsorship and wants to double that.

"We know she’ll make her whole family proud and has the support of the whole Mid Wales community behind her.

"We wish her all the very best.

“Lingen Davies exists to support cancer patients throughout Mid Wales and Shropshire.

"We want to make sure that local people can access excellent local cancer services at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre."

The pair have planned a series of fundraising events, kicking off with a Spinnathon on October 5 at Flash Leisure Centre.

Other fun events include quiz nights, raffles, a Family Fun Day, among others.

Supporters can keep up to date with their progress and scheduled events via their Facebook pages.

Anyone wishing to show their support and contribute to these heartfelt campaigns can reach out to Ms Herbert through her Facebook page, or Ms Godsell via her email bonkerskaty@me.com.