More than 50,000 runners are expected to join the likes of Jenson Button, Kevin Kilbane and James Cracknell in completing the 26.2 mile London marathon course and raising millions for charity on Sunday.

Here are some of the borough’s hopefuls:

Alison Grieg is tackling her first marathon for Twickenham-based charity the Mo Farah Foundation, set up by the Olympian and his wife Tania to provide medical clinics for families in Somalia, for more than two years.

The mother-of-two has been volunteering at the charity for more than two years and has raised more than £800 of her £2,500 target.

She said: "The Mo Farah Foundation is a very small charity team and it is working hard to support Mo's vision to make a difference to the lives of millions."  

Make donations at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlisonGreig1. 

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Heroic effort: Sam, Andrew and Libby the dog

Strawberry Hill resident Andrew Jackson is running the London marathon on behalf of type one diabetes charity JDRF, after his son, Sam, was diagnosed with the disease at age 12.

Mr Jackson will be joined by more than 190 runners who aim to raise more than £400,000 for charity JDRF, which supports type one diabetes research.

Mr Jackson said when his son was first diagnosed it was a huge shock to the family but he has learnt Sam can lead a normal life with a little inconvenience, and he would love the organisation to eventually find a cure.

Mr Jackson, who has been training with his dog Libby, said: "The training regime has been hard, but my sometimes reluctant running partner, Libby, has helped me through the process although she now cowers in the corner when the running shoes come out."

Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewJackson27. 

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Mandy Marshall: Founded a charity herself, and is running for the cause

Mandy Marshall is running the 26.2 miles this weekend on behalf of a charity to end violence to women that she founded herself.

Ms Marshall, 45, set up Restored five years ago and has run Twickenham’s Cabbage Patch 10-mile race, walked 79 miles across Scotland and climbed Kilimanjaro for the charity.

Ms Marshall, who lives in Twickenham’s Staines Road, said: "I’ve trained hard through the winter months but am sure there will be tears from mile 20 to the finish line."

Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mandymarshall.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Claire Newman: Running for her grandfather

Media researcher Claire Newman will draw inspiration from her grandparents as she battles to the finish line this weekend on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Ms Newman’s grandmother Vera Waterhouse, 89, is living with Alzheimer’s disease and her grandfather, Eric Newman, died with vascular dementia last year aged 90.

Newman, 29, is a keen netballer and has been running 30 miles weekly in preparation for the main event and hopes to complete the course in less than four hours and raise £1,900 for the charity.

She said: "I’m experiencing real mixed emotions about the run at the moment. I’m really excited but I’m also quite nervous. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it goes well on the day and knowing I’m honouring my grandparents by running for Alzheimer’s Research UK will really spur me on."

Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaireNewman4.

An office worker from Hanworth is hoping to set a new world record this weekend as she attempts to run the London Marathon dressed as a love heart in less than four hours 30 minutes.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Thumbs up: But it's going to be hot on Sunday

Katie Nicholas, 29, is raising money for Cardiomyopathy UK, and has a friend who is affected by the heart muscle disease, which is the main cause of sudden death in young people.

Ms Nicholas has already raised £2,000 and her company, BP, have pledged to match funding up to £5,000.

She said: "I’ve been out training in it [the heart outfit] and while it’s not too restrictive, I know on the day I’m going to be super-hot."

Donate at justgiving.com/RunningHeart.

Nina Bradburn’s daughter, Olivia, was given a successful liver transplant 10 years ago when she was just a baby, and Ms Bradburn is competing in the marathon to raise funds for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, Kings College Hospital and Rays of Sunshine, which provides support for seriously ill children.

Olivia Bradburn was born with a form of liver disease called biliary atresia, had a corrective operation at Kings College aged just eight weeks and was matched with her father Rob at five months old.

Nina Bradburn said: "Olivia turning 10 is a milestone we never thought we would have the chance to see. It's an emotional thing to think about and we have so many people to thank for being able to celebrate this anniversary with our gorgeous daughter."

Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NinaB. 

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

For Tom: Annie Moore with her son

Annie Moore’s son Tom, died last year from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), after developing an infection which led to pneumonia.

In his memory Ms Moore, who runs Vidatherapy in Teddington, will push her body to the limit in the marathon to raise funds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Ms Moore said: "Tom was a wonderful son and human being who had great passion for life, sport, his family and friends. One of his intentions was to run the London Marathon and he entered the ballot several times but was unsuccessful.

"When I found out I'd got a place I was absolutely overjoyed and immediately knew that this was a sign from Tom for me to 'do it' for him.

"Not a day goes by when he isn't in my heart. I rejoice and grieve while running and training with his memories."

Donate at visit justgiving.com/Annie-Moore13.