The threat of extreme blisters and exhaustion is looming large for thousands of London Marathon runners. Today, we feature three more runners who are bracing themselves to take part in the event.

A DOCTOR whose brother died last year is set to run her 17th marathon in aid of a charity which is looking into the cause of his death.

Niki Meston, from Headington in Oxford, hopes to raise £500 for the National Society for Epilepsy (NSE).

She decided to support the charity after her brother Paul died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.

Known as SUDEP, the syndrome is identified as when a sufferer dies unexpectedly without having a seizure, and there is no clear medical explanation.

Dr Meston, who is 36 and works at the Churchill hospital, said: "I have another brother who is epileptic, but he has a much milder version."

To sponsor her, call Pat Leighton at the NSE on 01494 601414.

IF YOU see a fun runner with shocking pink hair, it will probably be a mother-of-two taking part in tribute for her parents.

Sadie Adderley-Speke, 41, of Kidlington, is representing Cancer Research after she lost her father aged 67 to prostate cancer, and mother aged 55 to breast cancer.

Mrs Adderley-Speke was given her new look at Michael and Company Hair Salon in Kidlington.

She is pictured with owner Michael Smith. The mother-of-two only discovered she had won a place to run for the charity 11 weeks ago and has been in training ever since.

She said: "I started from scratch running just three miles at a time.

"During one run I thought 'why am I doing this?' but then I started thinking of mum and dad and that's what drives me on."

Visit www.justgiving.com/ sadieadderley-speke A FATHER-OF-TWO from Bicester who has not run seriously since leaving school 20 years ago will attempt the marathon.

John Devereaux, 39, from Ravencroft in Langford Village, is running on Sunday to raise money for the Children's Trust, a national charity which provides care for children with disabilities and brain injuries.

He said: "Some friends of mine have a little boy with cerebral palsy and I became aware over the past few years how the work they do has helped the family.

"I haven't run for about 20 years so it's a real one off for me. I ran at school, but I have never run beyond 10km before, so this is new territory for me. You could call it my mid-life crisis."

But Mr Devereaux, who is married with two daughters, Elena, four, and Amelia, three, is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: "I have been doing lots and lots of training. The main thing for me is actually to enjoy the day. My daughters will be at home watching it on the television."

Mr Devereaux, who works in London for a Japanese bank, has already raised about £1,200 but is hoping for more.

To sponsor him see: www.justgiving.com/ johndevereaux