Runners have been making their final preparations ahead of this weekend’s London Marathon.

The race, which will be amid tight security following the bomb attacks at the Boston Marathon on Monday, is still due to go ahead this Sunday.

One of those taking part is Robert White, 41, of Valley Drive, Gravesend, who will be raising money for the National Osteoporosis Society.

His mother has been a sufferer of the bone disease for many years.

Mr White has run seven marathons but says there is no other like London and he aims to raise £1,700.

He said: “I am running for this charity because of my mum. I have seen her get slower and slower over the years, to now, hardly being able to walk and having to use a wheelchair.

“I think this charity is not as well known as some of the bigger ones, but it is a horrible disease, one which you only really fully understand when you see it so close.

“My mum is still quite amazing for her 80 years, her mind is good but her body has ‘broken’ and I would love to run for her.”

You can sponsor Mr White by logging onto www.virginmoneygiving.com/RobertWhite2

A team will be running for EllenorLions Hospices.

They include: the charity’s communications officer Tessa Youens, 28; Gareth Jackson and Brenhan Heath, who teach at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys; husband and wife Dave and Jane Reid, of Hardy Avenue, Dartford; Lisa Nichols, 47, and her daughter Stephanie Nichols, 22; and Gravesham councillor John Caller.

Extra trains will be available for the London Marathon.

Additional SouthEastern services will be provided on April 21 for thousands of runners and spectators travelling to the marathon from Kent.

The train company is advising that all travel from London stations to the start of the race near Blackheath and Greenwich stations is free for runners wearing their race number.