In between selling houses and mortgages, two friends are preparing for an ultimate challenge.

Independent mortgage advisor Neil Coombs, 43, and managing director, Ryan Holden, who both work at Holden Estate Agents in Maldon’s High Street, hope to raise hundreds of pounds for charity when they run the London marathon on April 13.

Mr Coombs, of Corringham, has so far raised £130 for the Karis May Darling Foundation - after the 12-year-old girl from his daughter’s school died in 2011, when she contracted a bug that can lead to meningitus.

He said: “I have been training nearly every night and it’s going really well.

“I can’t wait to do the race.

“With all the training I have done, I am fit and healthy, so I wish it was this weekend.

“Now the training is done, I can spend more time raising money.”

It is the first time that he has ran the London marathon.

Ryan is raising money for Little Havens children’s hospice, based in Thundersley.

To donate, visit the offices in the High Street.