MANY parents around the country are set to cheer on their children in what is likely to be the biggest physical challenge of their lives this weekend.

But Hereford FC kit man Roger Lloyd has three reasons to celebrate – with his two eldest daughters set to run their first London Marathon the day after his beloved football team play their last league game of the season.

Roger will be travelling by National Express to London on Sunday morning, ready to cheer on his daughters, Kelly Rose, 40, and Kate Lloyd, 37.

Kelly has a club place with Wye Valley Runners but is also raising money for Hereford-based charity the Little Princess Trust while her sister has a charity place, running for LOOK National Federation of Families with Visually Impaired Children for people with sight problems.

Kelly said: "Neither of us has ever done a marathon before. It's getting a bit scary now. We did a 16-week training programme which we started in January and have fitted training around work and home life.

"Dad is coming down on Sunday morning as he wants to be around for the last Hereford game. He is coming by bus. He won't miss the football as it's the last game of the season but doesn't want to miss us either.

"We have always been really sporty and dad is very passionate about it all and, with his involvement with Hereford FC and sport, he is very excited."

To donate to Kate's fundraising appeal for LOOK, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Lloydkate

To donate to Kelly's appeal for the Little Princess Trust visit justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-rose6