A Norwich father and son are preparing to run their first ever marathon, in an effort to raise over �3,000 for charity.

Damian and Edmund Conway have been training for around six months to get themselves fit enough to run the Virgin London Marathon, which is being held on Sunday, April 22.

Damian, 54, is a partner at Dipple and Conway opticians on Castle Street in Norwich, and lives in central Norwich.

While Edmund, 26, now lives in Hackney, London, and is also an optician, working as sales and logistics manager for the Victoria Beckham sunglass and spectacle frame range, based in Battersea.

Father-of-four Damian featured in Local Life last year after raising over �3,000 by cycling the length of France with his friend James Chant.

That cycle ride was in aid of Break - which provides support to vulnerable children, adults and families - and so will his marathon run with his son.

He said: 'It all started when I cycled through France with James for Break and started getting fitter. Edmund wanted to run the marathon but didn't know which charity to approach to try and get a place.

'He said about Break and asked if I would fancy running the marathon with him. He's twisted my arm so this will be my first marathon, and probably my last.'

Edmund has taken to training runs between his Hackney home and Battersea office for his training and Damian has so far managed 18 miles in training, so both are looking well set for the marathon.

Explaining why they chose to raise funds for Break, Damian added: 'I'm the oldest of six children and my mother has 26 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

'Fortunately most of our family have been health so my mother said 'what about Break?' because she knew one of her friend's granddaughters had been helped by them and it was a local charity. They help people less fortunate than us so it is a good cause.'

The Conways are already over halfway to their �3,000 fundraising target, if you would like to donate to their cause, go to www.justgiving.com/tourthrutown, or to read their training blogs, go to http://giantpickle.co.uk/tourthrutown

Are you running the London Marathon? Send us your training photos at www.iwitness24.co.uk, along with your name, age, location, occupation and details of how people can donate to your cause.