Eight friends are training for this summer’s British 10k in London in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for those who have fought for their country.

Last year Matt Louth, Tom Peeling, James Whitlock, Peter Bourne, and Tom Dunmall teamed up for the race through the capital, and this time round are joined by Lee Ashley, Jason Dunmall, and Matt Dahmen.

The group, all from Sutton-at-Hone, Dartford, are taking on the challenge in aid of Combat Stress, a charity set up to support military service men and women who return from war with mental illnesses.

Combat Stress holds a special place in Mr Louth’s heart, and he has run the British 10k to help the charity for a number of years.

The 23-year-old said: “I have a family member that suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and he’s had help from Combat Stress, which is why I started fundraising.

“You get people going through depression as well when they come back from war, and other mental health problems.

“They are reliant on charities like this to help them. I’ve been doing this for six years now and in the last four years I’ve raised just over £6,000 in total. Before that I did it for Help for Heroes.”

In a bid to hit their £3,000 target, Mr Louth and his pals have organised a number of fundraising events in the lead-up to the 10k, including a football match at The Valley, the home of Charlton Athletic. Two local teams will go head-to-head on Saturday, May 20.

All proceeds from the £5 ticket sales going to the charity. Military personnel and veterans will be admitted free.

In the evening there will be a raffle at The Ship pub in Sutton-at-Hone offering plenty of prizes, including football tickets and meals at Nando’s.

“It was very successful when we did it last year and raised £600,” said Mr Louth.

“We’ve got a lot of local businesses donating prizes this year and I want to get the whole community involved.”

The British 10k is on Saturday, July 9, promising a challenging but scenic run around famous landmarks like Trafalgar Square, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge.

Mr Louth is hoping to beat last year’s time of 51 minutes and 30 seconds, and is using this month’s Brighton 10k as practice.

To donate in support of the group’s efforts, go to justgiving.com/suttonteam2017 or text SUTT69 followed by the amount you wish to give to 70070.