Langdon Brady Club members Robert Bluestone, 18, and Jamie Pash, 19, hope their long distance endeavours will raise much-needed funds for the Edgware enterprise, which helps those with mild to moderate learning difficulties.

The pair will be running the maximum distance of 16 kilometres and "really want to raise as much money as possible for Langdon, so the activities we do at Brady Club can continue". The club offers members a regular space to socialise and learn new skills - and it was there that Robert and Jamie met.

They have been preparing by running 10k every week and have also been pounding the treadmill at home.

Robert's mother, Racquelle, said Langdon had changed his life.

"Through Brady Club he has made friends, developed confidence and has gotten a lot of help and support. It has been a real lifeline for the whole family.

"Robert loves running. He is a total natural. We have found that running is very calming for Robert and he gets a lot out of it. His biggest ambition is to run the London Marathon for Langdon in a few years."

Michelle Pash said that training for the run had boosted her son's confidence. "He has realised that he can run as fast as anyone else, learning disability or not.

"He has come such a long way - from not being able to get on the train by himself, to running 16k with hundreds of people. I am so proud of both boys."