Five friends are preparing to run the British 10k in London this year to give something back to those who have fought for their country.

Matt Louth, Tom Peeling, James Whitlock, Peter Bourne and Tom Dunmall have teamed up to train for the race, which takes place this summer.

They are hoping to raise upwards of £3,000 for Combat Stress, a charity dedicated to providing support to military service men and women who return from war with mental illnesses.

Almost 6,000 veterans are in its care, providing a vital lifeline for them and their families, and it holds a special place in Matt’s heart.

He said: “A close family member suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and it is hard to see the way people change after they have done work for their country.

“They are reliant on people like Combat Stress to help them and I just want to raise as much money as I can because it’s not a massive charity.

“Help for Heroes get millions but a lot of that is for the disabilities that people see, whereas Combat Stress is for the disabilities people don’t always see.”

“Help for Heroes get millions but a lot of that is for the disabilities that people see, whereas Combat Stress is for the disabilities people don’t always see.”

All five friends are from the Dartford and Gravesend areas.

It is the first time James, Peter and Tom Dunmall will have taken part. It promises a challenging but scenic run around some of the capital’s most famous landmarks including Trafalgar Square, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge.

Matt said: “The first year it was just me and last year it was just me and Tom Peeling, but this year there are five of us.

“I raised over £800 in 2014 and £1,930 last year, but when you added the Gift Aid donations it was £2,420.

“If we could raise more than last year it would be fantastic.”

A Just Giving page has been set up to get them to their target, with sponsorship already from Barclays Bank.

The run takes place on Sunday, July 10.

You can donate at justgiving.com/sutton-team2016 or by texting MTPJ69, followed by the amount you wish to give, to 70070.