Best friends are set to run the London Marathon in support of a hospice that cared for their loved ones in their final days.

Larina Marsh and Fiona Pratt have been best friends since they met in hospital, giving birth to their children on the same day.

The pair, along with Fiona's daughter Sophie, who for years have supported Farleigh Hospice are now set to run the 26.2mile distance in the capital to give thanks to the hospice that supported their friend's father before his death.

Mother and daughter team, Fiona and Sophie have run the marathon twice in 2016 and 2018, but this is Larina's first time.

She said that if was not for them she would not have been able to take part in the marathon.

Larina, 53, from Maldon, said: "I have always wanted to run the marathon but I never thought I would be able to do it because I was getting closer and closer to 50.

"I knew my friends were running it for Farleigh Hospice and the charity knew my face from other events so when the opportunity came up I didn't think about it.

"I was extremely excited, a bit worried as it is a long way.

"I have been up to watch a number of times and I love being a spectator."

Larina has been training very hard for a number of months already, entering a few other races in the build up to the marathon on April 28.

She also credited Farleigh Hospice which has supported her throughout her training.

She added: "They have been brilliant, everything they have done is great.

"The staff put on training runs for us so we can train together as a group.

"They have also helped with coming up for ideas for fundraisers."

The trio have raised around £5,000 for the hospice ahead of this year's marathon.

They have just more £1,000 more to hit the target, and they are aiming to do that by offering a golf day at Benton Hall Golf Club in Witham.

A voucher has been auctioned off for four players to enjoy a round on the 18-hole course anytime they like.

Larina said: "My friend is an events manager at the golf club and we were looking for any sponsors or to do a raffle.

"She said she would have a chat with her manager and then we had this.

"We have had such a great response."

The highest bidder is set to be announced.

To find out more about how you can support Farleigh Hospice, go to farleighhospice.org.