Wirral runners we'll be cheering on at this year's London Marathon

And after national reports suggest this year could be the hottest on record, we thought our local runners deserve all the support they can get. 

Here's the runners from Wirral we will be cheering on this year and why you should too:

(And we've now added more reader stories to the gallery at the top. Just click on 'Show caption' to read more if you're using a mobile phone.)

Amy Quinn is 38 and running for Mind the mental health awareness charity in memory of her cousin.

She said: "It’s my first marathon and I want to raise as much cash and awareness as possible of mental health issues and those suffering or affected by it."

Donate here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AmyChurchQuinn

Neil Brannan is from Prenton and running for the Salvation Army at Strawberry Field. 

He said: "Due to the great need at the moment to get our homeless off the streets, the charity are doing a push this year to raise more money in order to help their cause. Their work helps provide a shelter for the homeless and support them in getting off the streets. I can't be the only one to have noticed the increase in the people sleeping rough not only in our city but all over the country.

"The charity are also trying to raise money to reopen the gates at the famous Strawberry Fields. They want to make it a place that will provide sustainable employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities."

Donate here: justgiving.com/neil-brannan

David Prendergast is from Bebington and is running the marathon this year in memory of two friends who passed away late last year from unexpected heart attacks. 

Steve Scott from Bebington and Roy Leeming from New Brighton.  

Donate here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidPrendergast

Roger Comish, 56 and from Neston is running for the charity Leukaemia Care after his friend, who originally gained the place, fell and broke her elbow in training.

He said: "I run a lot of ultra marathons, for example I will run across Britain at the end of August in the C2C (Coast to Coast) ultra, 140 miles non-stop from Whitehaven to Tynemouth.

"London is simply the best marathon on the planet and this is a great opportunity to get a long training run in for the C2C so I jumped at the chance of being able to take part."

Donate here: 2018-london-marathon.everydayhero.com/uk/leukaemia-care

Matt Gillbanks and 18-year-old son Tom will be running for MacMillan Cancer Support.

They live in West Kirby with wife Tricia and daughter Olivia.

Matt said: "We are running the marathon to raise money for this charity as Tricia is currently being treated for liver cancer and therefore we want to raise as much money as possible for this special charity which helps so many people and their families dealing with this terrible illness.

"We are looking forward to Sunday running the marathon together and hope we can raise as much money as possible for this great cause."

Donate here: justgiving.com/fundraising/matt-gillbanks

Tom Bradley is running for North West Cancer Research. 

He said: "NWCR work closely with Clatterbridge Hospital, a place where close friends and family have been treated."

Donate here: justgiving.com/fundraising/tombradleymarathon

Nicky Prince, 39 and from Leasowe, will be running for Macmillan in memory of her mum Bobby. 

She said: "Sadly, she passed away in December 2016 after a six year fight against cancer.

"Macmillan were with her every step of the way and gave her the kind words of encouragement and support that she needed. 

"I'm running the London Marathon, just like I told her I would. I'm running it for a charity who really really helps to give people like Mum the support they need when things get really tough."

Donate here: Virginmoneygiving.com/nickyprince