People across the Keighley district are gearing up to take part in Sunday’s London Marathon.

Between them, they are raising thousands of pounds for different charities.

Keighley News editor Richard Parker, 40, has collected more than £2,000 for Manorlands hospice, the paper’s chosen charity for the past 12 months.

He said: “I still suffer from breaking my spine as a teenager, which has indirectly led to calf, hamstring, knee and hip injuries. There’s not much left in good working order!

“I’m extremely nervous, but brimming with excitement as well. And a big thank you to all those who’ve sponsored me.”

Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/richardparker to make further donations.

Also supporting the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice is Keighley man Robert Morrisroe, who entered the ballot for a place in the world-famous 26-mile event “as a bit of fun”.

“I didn’t expect to get selected!” said the 43-year-old, of Broomhill Grove.

Mr Morrisroe, an overlooker at textile firm Hattersley Aladdin, has raised about £700 in sponsorship and donations.

“Training is about done now and I’m really looking forward to the day,” he said.

Anyone wishing to donate can call him on 07450 665099 or visit his Facebook page.

Glusburn resident Melissa Joy, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year, is tackling the marathon to raise cash to combat the condition.

The nurse has coined in more than £4,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust through her virginmoney-giving.com website, and fundraising events have been staged.

Melissa, 25, who also has epilepsy, said: “I’ve never done a marathon before, but I’ve always wanted to. This particular charity means a lot to me.

“The training has gone well and I’m really looking forward to the event.” Oakworth resident Chris Metcalfe, 26, is running in aid of the National Osteoporosis Society.

His mum, Jenny, who lives at Skipton, has the condition.

Mr Metcalfe, contract manager for Bulloughs Cleaning Services, has raised £1,000 so far.

“I hadn’t done any running since school days but the National Osteoporosis Society was advertising places in the marathon and I thought I’d give it a go,” he said.

People can donate at justgiving.com/ChrisMetcalfe01.

Keighley nursery nurse Lee Asquith is taking part in the event in support of Children with Cancer UK.

“I’ve done 10k runs for a couple of charities before and have always wanted to take on a bigger challenge,” said Lee, a former pupil of Oakbank School in Keighley. Visit virginmoney giving.com/LeeAsquith to donate.

Stockbridge resident Carl Whale is running in aid of Lupus UK.

His mother, Avis Turner, died from the immune system illness.

Mr Whale, who has run one previous marathon for the same good cause, said: “Lupus imitates other illnesses, which is why it can take so long to diagnose.

“It took three years for my mum to be diagnosed, so this is something that needs to be more widely recognised.”

Visit justgiving.com/Carl-whale1 to sponsor Mr Whale.