A MEDSTEAD couple are in training for the Virgin Money London Marathon in April in aid of the Dreams Come True charity.

For Sally and Andrew Powell, this is just one of a long line of fundraising ventures they have undertaken over the past few years in aid of the Liphook-based charity, which helps make individual dreams come true for seriously and terminally-ill children.

Sally, 37, said: “When we first heard about Dreams Come True we realised how lucky we were to have two children who are fit, well and healthy, and since then we have raised money each year in support of the charity.”

While husband Andy, 46, is a seasoned marathon runner, his last being the New York Marathon in 2008, for Sally this is an entirely new venture, and a serious challenge. Out training up to four times per week, she is currently running up to 13 miles and is becoming well known around Medstead and neighbouring Four Marks, where lots of people wave as she runs past.

To run in the London Marathon on April 24 the couple not only have to run 26.2 miles but, in order to cross the starting line, must raise £2,000 each for their chosen charity.

To help toward this goal they are running a disco in Medstead village hall on Saturday in aid of the charity.

The disco will run from 7.30pm to midnight, with optional fancy dress based on ‘your own disco era’, a bar, and a burger and chip van outside for anyone who is peckish after dancing.

Tickets, priced £10, can be bought from Sally Powell by calling 01420 562364.

Later in the year, on September 19, they will be holding a Hopes and Dreams Ball at the Alton Maltings Centre.

Tickets for the ball, priced £40, are available by calling 01420 562364 or online at hopesanddreamsball.co.uk.