Four people from around Watford will be among thousands running in this year's London Marathon to raise money for charity.

The event is this Sunday, April 21, with over 50,000 expected to take part in the 26.2-mile route around the capital.

Runners include a breast cancer survivor who lost two friends to the disease, as well as a Watford teacher who wants to raise awareness of people living with allergies.

Read the full list below:

Chris Soul

Watford teacher Chris Soul will be running for allergy charity Anaphylaxis UK this Sunday, which he said is "striving for a brighter future for everyone living with a serious allergy".

Both of his daughters suffer from allergies and his youngest, Orla, has multiple which pose “a daily risk to her life”.

The teacher at St John's CE Primary School said Orla could have died when she was exposed to pea protein in a vegan pizza at age one, if not for the charity’s online training and her Epipen.

Chris added: “But more needs to be done nationally so that children, like my daughters, get the best care and enjoy a life where each day the worry of being exposed to allergens is reduced.”

 Ian Williams

BBC World Service journalist Ian Williams will don the pink jersey of bereavement charity Winston’s Wish this Sunday in memory of his friend and TalkSPORT commentator Russell Hargreaves.

Watford Observer: BBC broadcaster Ian Williams is raising money for bereavement charity Winston's Wish in memory of his friend and colleague Russell. BBC broadcaster Ian Williams is raising money for bereavement charity Winston's Wish in memory of his friend and colleague Russell. (Image: Ian Williams)Ian, who lives in North Watford, said it was a “no-brainer that I should do my bit to give back” after he learned that the charity was supporting Russell’s wife and two children following his passing last year aged 45.

“Russ was a lovely guy, and it is so sad that he leaves behind his wife Rachel and three young children,” the journalist added.

Watford Observer: Russell leaves behind his wife and three young children.Russell leaves behind his wife and three young children. (Image: Rachel Hargreaves)Winston’s Wish, founded in 1992, provides free direct support to grieving young people, as well as to parents and professionals working in education and healthcare.

Lucy Shepherd

Cancer survivor Lucy Shepherd will be racing in memory of two friends, Nicola and Margarita, who she lost to head and neck, and breast cancer. 

Watford Observer: Lucy Shepherd is running in memory of two friends she lost to cancer.Lucy Shepherd is running in memory of two friends she lost to cancer. (Image: Lucy Shepherd)The 37-year-old from Watford said they were "immeasurably special people who taught me how to live".

“I hope to honour their lives and the profound effect they have had on mine by running this incredible race," she added.

Lucy, who has worked at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre for 10 years, has been treated for breast cancer herself and is raising money for the Institute of Cancer Research.

She said: “My wish is that one day, thanks to cancer research, everyone who is diagnosed with cancer will be as lucky as me, living well and for a long time.” 

Sophie Morris

Sophie Morris will join thousands of runners to raise funds for Contact, which helps families with disabled children.

The 39-year-old chartered tax consultant from Bushey chose the charity in honour of her friend Angela's son, Thomas, who has "complex needs".

Watford Observer: Sophie Morris is running for disability charity Contact.Sophie Morris is running for disability charity Contact. (Image: Sophie Morris)Sophie said: “Angela’s family has been supported by Contact for many years and on our runs she told me more about the challenges she faces as the parent of a disabled child – and the support Contact has given her to help overcome them. 

“Talking to Angela really inspired me to take this challenge on. I know that thinking of Thomas’ smiley face will easily get me across the finishing line!”