TWO volunteers who put themselves forward to run the London Marathon for charity realised they were neighbours when they met up to compare training notes.

Andy Knapp and Natalie Morrice-Evans, both of Prestatyn, are raising money for the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre.

The pair are currently training hard, not only with the aim of finish the marathon on Sunday but with hopes of smashing the fundraising target set by previous participants.

The pair realised they lived near each other when comparing notes at the centre during a photocall.

Andy, 48, who runs his own consultancy business Coles Knapp, has made his fundraising choice for personal reasons.

He lost his father to bowel cancer in 1993.

He said: “Natalie and I live opposite each other and have known each other for 12 years or so. Neither knew the other had applied to the cancer appeal to run for them, we only found out when the runners were announced.

“Neither Natalie or I have ever run a marathon before, but we’ve both done half marathons.”

Natalie, 37, a medical secretary at Glan Clwyd Hospital, was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma but got the all-clear last year.

She will run the marathon on her daughter’s 10th birthday.

Natalie added: “Training has been tough with the recent wet and cold weather and we realised early on that we were both on a mission.

“After my diagnosis last year, I wanted to give something back and raise awareness. I had a growth removed from my arm last August, I had 10 stitches and a very sore arm and was given the all clear in October.

“I had originally applied for a London Marathon place through the ballot process and was unsuccessful. When I returned to work after my operation, I made enquiries regarding charity places and applied, never thinking I would be successful. When I found out I had been successful, many emotions went around my head - fear, excitement.

“It is my daughter’s 10th birthday on the day of the marathon. To celebrate finishing 26.2 miles and her birthday will be one of the best days of my life.”

The North Wales Cancer Appeal helps towards purchasing equipment for the cancer treatment centre at Glan Clywd Hospital.

For details visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/andyknapp or uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NatalieMorriceEvans