We want to hear your London Marathon stories

Stacey Harper finished the London Marathon in 3hrs 49 mins and secured a world record. Picture: Stacey Harper (Image: Archant)

Are you running the London Marathon this year? Have you got a story worth telling?

Then we want to hear from you.

So far a few 2019 runners have got in touch to tell us why they are taking part and why.

Caroline Pocock, 36, Wymondham

Simon Kindleysides with 16 miles to go on the London Marathon 2018 route. Picture: @simonsmarathon (Image: @simonsmarathon)

'It's been an emotional rollercoaster'

I got in running for the Miscarriage Association charity which is a cause close to my heart.

In 2009 I lost my first baby at 12 weeks and beywen then and 2011 I went on to lose 4 more at 8-10 weeks.

I was referred to specialists in London but they couldn't find anything 'wrong'.

20-year-old Lucy Ring gearing up to run the London Marathon in memory of her dad. Photo: Lucy Ring (Image: Lucy Ring)

In July 2012, on my 30th birthday, my son Zachary was born - my little miracle! Since him I have also had another miscarriage.

I decided I wanted to help others in similar situations as it can be such a lonely time, so along with 3 other volunteers I set up the Norfolk Miscarriage Association Support Group meetings which run once a month.

I started doing couch to 5k in February 2017 mainly for a bit of head space and to get fitter.

I used to hate running - being the sort of person trying to bunk off cross country at school! I entered Run Norwich which I loved, then the Norwich Half (which I thought was hard enough!) but something in my brain made me think a marathon would be a good idea.

I've done all my training on my own - with the Wymondham 20 race tomorrow being my first long run with other people - in wind, rain, snow, hail and bright sunshine!

It's been an emotional rollercoaster and I've cried a lot but thinking of my angel babies and my miracle son has got me through, and will get me to the finish line even if I have to crawl! I'm aiming to finish in 4 hours 30.

Natasha Mccord, 28, Norwich

'There were moments where I thought I wasn't ever going to finish'

I am a 28 year old teacher from Norwich who is running the London Marathon for a charity called WellChild.

Training has not been easy. I'm beginning to realise the 26.2 miles on 28th April, are only one part of the marathon. Those 26.2 miles are the victory lap – the celebration of weeks and months of training.

I am determined to finish those miles on that day… it may not be pretty, it may be very slow, but I am determined to ensure I will finish.

Fitting it in with my full time job, recovering from training long runs and psychologically facing another mile- are tough.

There were moments where I thought I wasn't ever going to finish but the feeling of immense achievement in the last mile outweighs any previous pain I had felt on the run.

I've worked with so many children over the years and the charity WellChild really touched my heart. Over 100,000 children and young people are living with serious illness or exceptional health needs across the UK. WellChild works tirelessly to help families with children who are seriously or terminally ill to provide comfort, laughter and hope to normal families and children.

I'm running this marathon in memory of many amazing people. Those who are no longer with us. I'm doing this for those who will never get this chance. They will be watching over me as I run, spurring me on, helping me remember that I CAN do this.

Whether you are running for a charity that has helped you, or for a relative or friend, we would like to hear your stories, sent via email to bethany.wales@archant.co.uk

Please included a photograph of yourself, with your full name, age, and address.