Harry Gillan and James Cancea, both 26, spend their Sunday mornings playing for FC Bridge, but for the last six months they have also been training to run the 26-mile route in support of a borough charity.

The pair are supporting RAFT, The Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust, which is based at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood.

RAFT carries out research into all sorts of skin problems and its research is recognised worldwide.

Following a RAFT study into UVA and UVB light, new government legislation was brought in to increase UVA protection in sunscreen after RAFT scientists discovered they are the more harmful rays. This has helped prevent skin cancer across the globe.

RAFT also works with burns victims and they are working on growing a special type of skin which will help heal serious wounds which were previously too deep to repair.

They are also in the process of creating a revolutionary bionic arm for amputees which will be secured to the bone and operated through muscle movements.

“We selected RAFT because of the work they do in coming up with new and better ways to treat wounds and to develop new treatments to aid in

healing,” said Harry, who works as a sport and exercise science lecturer at West Herts College.

“Their projects include research into wound healing, growing bone and reconstruction after breast cancer.

“Mount Vernon is local to us both so it was the perfect choice.”

James says the race is the hardest challenge he has ever faced.

“But the support we’ve had from family and friends so far has really spurred us on,” he added.

“The weather lately has been terrible so it’s been tempting to put it off, but every run at this point makes a difference.”

The London Marathon is on April 13.

The Metropolitan in Windsor Street sponsors FC Bridge and the pair hosted a karaoke ‘Stars in their Eyes’ event at the pub on March 15 to raise more money.

They aim to raise £4,000 but they are still £2,500 off their target.

To sponsor Harry visit: www.raft.ac.uk/im-running-the-london-marathon-for-raft-2735

Or to sponsor James see: www.raft.ac.uk/Fundraisers/james-cancea-is-running-the-london-marathon-for-raft#