FOR the past eight months, through all the winter wind and rain, West Devon couple Heather and Mike Smith had just one goal — to train and run the London Marathon in support of the Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) Befriending Service.

Mike and Heather were lucky enough to win a club place for the marathon through their running club, Bere Alston Trekkers (BATS).

Heather said: 'We wanted to run for TASS Befriending Service, a local service that makes a difference to local people. It is so good to raise money for a local cause and this is a fantastic local initiative.'

Mike and Heather are hoping that every step will count in helping local older people when out running the marathon.

Mike said: 'This is our first full marathon and we are hoping to raise enough money to help to recruit and train befriending volunteers and support them when visiting the people they befriend.'

Andy Lyle, manager at TASS, said: 'It is wonderful how Mike and Heather have chosen TASS as the charity to support when running the London Marathon. It is a good example of local people supporting a local charity to support the local community.'

TASS Befriending Service supports more than 60 people, through the work of 30 volunteers.

There is currently a waiting list of 20 people, which means TASS is always looking for more volunteers.

For more information about the Befriending Service, contact Cathy on [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01822 610942.