A Lowestoft couple are gearing up for a gruelling 26-mile challenge with the help of their four-legged companion.

Matt and Cheryl Crisp, from the Gunton area of town, will be taking part in the Virgin London Marathon on April 17 to try to raise �1,500 for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

The Crisps are running the 26.2-mile course in memory of Mrs Crisp's sister Marie Kirby, who died from breast cancer aged 33 in 2001.

They can be seen on their shorter training runs with their 16-month-old Labrador springer cross Ruby.

Mrs Crisp, 44, who studies plankton at Lowestoft-based Cefas, may have an advantage over her 40-year-old husband, as she has already run the London Marathon.

In 2008, she finished in five hours, six minutes, 12 seconds.

Mrs Crisp and her marathon novice husband, who is an engineering manager at William Clowes at Beccles, have set themselves a finishing time of four-and-a-half hours for April's race.

n Anyone who wants to sponsor the Crisps, attempt at the London Marathon can visit www.justgiving.com/Matt-and-Cheryl-Crisp1.