A couple of runners are taking on the London Marathon for the first time for a meta-charity.

Come April 28 Jamie Gwillam and Anny Huang will lace up and attempt to get through 26 gruelling miles for Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF).

Forty year old Mr Gwillam from Epping has never completed a full marathon, but is excited about taking on the challenge.

“I’ve done half Marathons before and am really looking forward to being part of the occasion of the London Marathon, getting over the line after 26 miles and raising money for such a worthwhile cause," he said.

When he’s not working as a computer hardware technician, Mr Gwillam is getting some serious miles under his belt in Epping Forest.

Also running for the charity is seasoned marathon runner, Ms Huang, a 42-year-old from New York.

She has run the New York Marathon four times and the Los Angeles Marathon once in 2009, but never the London Marathon.

She heard about the London Marathon place through friends who volunteer for VAEF and wanted to get involved and help raise money for this great cause.

Ms Huang said: “I’m really excited to be taking part in the London Marathon, especially as I can help raise funds for VAEF at the same time. I seriously think I have a running problem - I just can’t get enough of it."

The IT solution architect is passionate about running and trains hard, biking and running 6.4k home from work every day, then running another 10k if she has time late at night.

At the weekends, she runs on both days - at least 16k on one and up to 27k on the other.

If you would like to sponsor Ms Huang or Mr Gwillam go to www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/annyhuang and tinyurl.com/y9qda34x

VAEF provides support to charities and groups working in Epping Forest and Harlow.

It also offers supported volunteering for people with learning disabilities, a handyman service and help keeping warm in the winter.