TWO friends from Great Harwood are set to take on the London Marathon to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

Joanna Richards and Jennifer Sherriff will be running the 26.2mile-course on Sunday, April 23, for the grandfather of one of their best friends, Joanne Penelrick, who is affected by the disease.

Mrs Richards, 37, has been running for five years, but Mrs Sheriff is new to running and only started in January after they took on the run in the capital.

Mother-of-two Mrs Richards said: “The training has been tough but much easier with Jen.

“I’m a bit terrified, but it’s really exciting as well, it will be a great experience.”

The pair’s original fundraising target was £2,500 but have so far raised more than £3,100 for the charity.

Mrs Sherriff, 31, said: “We want to use this once in a lifetime opportunity to help make a difference."