A PUB landlord and two of his customers are teaming up to raise money for charity.

Reg Reynolds, owner of The Cross Keys Inn, Malvern, is helping regulars Gillian Thompson and Matthew Lancett to reach the fundraising targets for their London marathon challenge.

The two runners will take on the famous 26.2-mile course on Sunday, April 26, and are putting on a number of events at the pub to help boost their charity totals.

Mrs Thompson, who is collecting money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “The charity I am raising for is very close to my heart as a member of my family has cystic fibrosis.

“It is a really good cause which is trying to find a cure for the illness.

“I want to raise as much money and awareness as possible.”

The 38-year-old, who has a sponsorship target of £2,000, added that her training is going “quite well” and she will be “happy to just get around the course” because this is her first marathon.

She also said the help of Mr Reynolds, who is raffling a mountain bike in the pub for her appeal, has been “amazing”.

Mr Lancett is similarly looking forward to the marathon with a mixture of enthusiasm and dread.

He said: “I have always wanted to do the London marathon, having watched it on television for many years.

“I am both excited and nervous, but my family are going to be there to cheer me on.

“Injury has initially slowed down my training this year but it is now going well and I’m hoping to complete the course in about four hours and 30 minutes.”

The 39-year-old, who works as a fishmonger at Morrisons in Malvern, is raising money for Cancer Research UK and Sue Ryder and has set himself a target of £1,000.

He added: “I need as much help as possible with the fundraising and if every reader put in 50p I would reach the target in no time.

“I am also looking for local businesses who might like to donate items for a raffle.”

Publican Mr Reynolds said he decided to support the two customers because he wanted to help them reach their fundraising targets.

He said: “I have been helping raise money for charity for 23 years and people come to the events we put on which is fantastic.

“A pub is a massive asset for any community and can be used to encourage more people to get involved and help out with the fundraising efforts.”

The Cross Keys Inn will raise money by hosting a rock night on Saturday, March 14, featuring The Delray Rockets, and a soul and motown evening with Dance Floor Deluxe on Saturday, April 18.

Two mountain bikes donated by Halfords are also being raffled in the pub while a sweepstake, which challenges customers to guess Mr Lancett’s finishing time, is similarly bringing the donations in.

For more details visit crosskeysmalvern.com or to donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/gillianthompson1 or virginmoneygiving.com/matthewlancett