A WINCHESTER couple are running the London marathon to raise money for meningitis sufferers.

Dan Harvey and his wife Mel are taking up the challenge in April to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust, a charity they have close links to.

He is the son of former BBC national news and South Today presenter Andrew Harvey, who is also president of the trust.

Mr Harvey, of Vian Place, Kings Worthy, has first hand experience of the dangers of meningitis after his sister Lucy contracted bacterial meningitis in 1998 and fell into a coma for two days.

He said: “We feel so strongly about meningitis because it can come out of the blue and take people by surprise. It can happen to anyone without warning.

“The Meningitis Trust gave our family a huge amount of support when Lucy was ill and we really came to understand the value of the work they do.”

The pair have been running for the past five years but are not aiming for a specific time but rather to finish. They are now nearing the end of an 18-week training programme for the London race.

Mrs Harvey added: “I’m really looking forward to the race now. As the training goes on you get more and more confidence but it is still quite daunting.”

Mr Harvey, 36, and Mrs Harvey, 39, will be joined by Lucy for the marathon, where they hope to raise more than £3,000.

To donate to their cause visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/danandmel.