Among the thousands of charity runners pounding the capital’s streets today during the London Marathon is Dominic Coleman, fundraising for Norwood, “an integral part of my family’s life for more than 25 years”.

The 23-year-old trainee solicitor from North-West London wants to thank Norwood for its lifetime support for his cousin Max, 27, who has cerebral palsy.

“Max became profoundly disabled following an illness in infancy and Norwood has been there for him at every stage of his life, from support with equipment and counselling through to access to the Jewish community for him as a disabled adult,” Mr Coleman explained. “And for his parents and siblings, Norwood has provided emotional and tangible support.”

He added that his cousin “has exceeded all medical assessments and continues to live life to the full. He loves a drink, seeing family and friends, going to concerts, the cinema and football matches. In fact, I think he has more of a social life than I do.”

Mr Coleman’s goal is “to raise as much money for Norwood as I possibly can. I would love to be able to finish in about three-and-a-half-hours. But time is just a number and I’m just going to get out there and enjoy the experience.”

Although he has run full and half-marathons before, he said he had found preparations for the London race difficult, having to fit them around “my working life, family commitments and the relationship with my amazingly supportive girlfriend Tamara. I can safely say I overestimated the amount of free time I would have.”

Michele Lobl is another runner with a close connection to her chosen charity, in this case Jewish Care.  When her father, Benjamin Morgenstern, was diagnosed with dementia, Jewish Care’s social work and community support team was there for the family. Mr Morgenstern stayed at the charity’s home in Hendon for respite care before his death in 2002.

Today, her mother Norma, 92 – who was diagnosed last year with rapid onset Alzheimer’s - is a resident at Jewish Care’s Lady Sarah Cohen House in Friern Barnet.

 “Norma has always been a feisty, stoic and independent lady, loving her cooking, baking and voluntary work,” she said. “Mummy taught us the value of supporting others.

“Now with our own family crisis, it seems the least I can do is to raise additional funding to thank Jewish Care for supporting people at their most vulnerable times and ensuring care and dignity at the end of their lives.

“Every pound sponsored means a lot to me and will keep me moving forward through each mile.”

Among the marathon contingent for Israeli welfare organisation Emunah are brothers Marc and George Jackson, whose motives are not entirely charitable. “I’m running because I want to beat my brother,” George declared. Marc will be cheered on by his wife Wendy, who runs the charity’s eBay shop.