DESPITE the cold weather, two women from Horrabridge, Cate Taynton and Pat Tear, with the aid of their dogs, are working hard to maintain a rigorous training schedule — they have entered for this year's London Marathon, and are keen to make sure they reach a peak of fitness for the run in April.

As well as raising their own fitness and stamina levels, they are also looking to raise at least £4,000 in sponsorship for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), their chosen charity for the event.

They decided to enter the London Marathon after successfully completing the Plymouth Half-marathon last year, and have been in training for this new challenge since September.

Once the decision to enter had been made, the selection of the World Cancer Research Fund as their charity was relatively easy.

Cate said: 'My husband John was diagnosed with cancer last May, and is undergoing treatment, so WCRF is a really relevant cause for us to support.'

The World Cancer Research Fund funds scientists to carry out research on how diet, physical activity and weight management affect cancer risk, and supports education programmes that tell people in UK what they can do to reduce their risk of cancer. They were the first cancer charity to focus on the links between diet and cancer and continue to be at the cutting edge of cancer prevention.

The fundraising efforts so far have been successful, and both Cate and Pat have been touched by the amount of support their friends, colleagues and business contacts have given.

Pat said: 'We are well on the way to our initial target of £4,000. Our next venture is a Sausage, Soul and Salsa night being held at Mount House School, where I work, on Friday, March 12.'

Tickets include Salsa lesson, dancing to a live soul band, buffet supper and disco. They are available in advance at £6.50 each or £11.50 a pair, by phoning 01822 619826 or 600100.