North Wales' London Marathon stories 2017

Thousands of people will be taking part in the London Marathon today.

Runners from across North Wales are gearing up for the big event to raise money for charity.

Here are some of the reasons Daily Post readers are taking part in the 26 mile race:

Chris Irvine

Flintshire police officer Chris Irvine is taking part in the Virgin Money London Marathon in aid of the British Dyslexia Association.

He said: “Undertaking the London Marathon is the ultimate personal challenge for me. I am no whippet and I know that it will be a tough slog for a heavier man.

The 35-year-old officer added: “Dyslexia is a recognised disability which affects many people. I am running in aid of a relatively little-known charity, the British Dyslexia Association, as it promotes understanding of the disability and supports those affected and their families.”

You can donate here.

Gynette Janney

This is Gynette’s third time taking part in the London Marathon and she will be running for Breast Cancer Charity – Walk the Walk.

She will be running in a decorated bra which is Walk the Walks trademark.

People have sponsored her per mile for the marathon and each person has both name and mile on ribbon sewn onto the bra.

On Wednesday, April 26, Gynette will be holding a fashion show at the Springfield Hotel in Holywell to raise money for the charity- tickets are available from the hotel.

Gwenan Williams

Gwenan Williams is running for the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen- a charity very close to her heart.

She said: “My daughter, Mati Nel, was diagnosed with DDH (hip dysplasia) when she was eight months old and as a result had surgery in Gobowen when she was one-year-old.

“She was subsequently in a spica cast, which is a full body cast, for three months followed by six months in a hip abduction brace. Mati is now approaching her fourth birthday and we still attend the hospital for six monthly x-rays on her hip.

“We are so grateful for the fantastic care she has received at Gobowen and feel very fortunate to have access to such expertise without having to travel too far. I will therefore be running for a charity that is very close to my heart.”

Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams, from Pwllheli, is running the London Marathon in memory of her mum and in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Action.

She said: “Two years ago my mum was feeling unwell and after a few trips to the doctors she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer- only 15 days after diagnosis mam passed away.”

“I was pregnant at the time and gave birth just nine days after mam’s funeral, she never got to meet her beautiful granddaughter.”

“I am running for pancreatic cancer action, they are a small independent charity searching into earlier diagnosis and raising awareness of this cruel disease.”

Kelly has had a few set backs while training, but her five young children have helped her.

She has raised more than £3,600 so far.

Amy Teodorescu

This is something Amy Teodorescu has wanted to tick of her bucket list.

Amy, from Mostyn, said: “My cousin’s wife and her friend had signed up and basically talked me into signing up with the charity Whizz-Kidz. It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Anieke Anders

Anieke Anders, from Connah’s Quay, is running to raise awareness of postpartum preeclampsia.

She said: “My reason to run is because I suffered with pre and post eclampsia and was unaware of the signs.

“If it wasn’t for the nurses and doctors I may have not been here today. I want to raise awareness so mummies can be aware to look for the signs. “

Simon Browne

Simon Browne, from Anglesey, is running in memory of his gran Audrey Browne and St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph.

His gran had always encouraged him to run the marathon and in October he found out he had a place.

He said: “In September 2016, my wonderful gran sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer. St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph and its staff provided gran with the care and support she needed during this difficult period.”

“I will be running in memory of Gran and raising funds for the diligent care and support the hospice provide patients and families across North Wales.”

You can donate to Simon’s page here.

Adam Harper

Adam Harper, from Buckley, is taking part in the race in memory of his late step father Derek Williams and to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.

You can donate to Adam’s page here.

• If you are taking part in today’s event send us your images from the day. Simply tweet us @dailypostwales or upload to our Facebook page – and good luck!