TWO pals known for putting in the hard yards on the rugby league pitch will be taking on the London Marathon this weekend.

Mick Ledger and Dave McConnell will be raising funds and awareness for the Royal National Institute of Blind People, which helped their friend Mark Rogerson after he lost his sight.

Mark, 33, from St Helens, had surgery to fix both of his retinas in 2013, but following treatment caught an infection, causing the loss of sight in his right eye and scarring in the left.

He received support from the charity and ran for them last year, but now his mate Mick, 33, a former British Amateur Rugby League Association international, and Dave, who played for Scotland, are running to raise even more.

Former semi-professional player, Dave, 36 from Billinge, said: “Mark is an inspiration. Once I met him, we both decided to use our history in sport and challenge ourselves to do it.

“We did the St Helens Triathlon last year for the Steve Prescott Foundation, but after hearing how Mark ran the London Marathon last year we are joining him.

“We hope to raise £4,000, which we know will make such a difference to people and children the charity helps for things you don’t even think about like braille on remote controls and help in the house.”

Mark is also running in the event to raise money for the RNIB.

To donate to Mick and Dave’s fundraising page, visit bit.ly/2oXVhUq.