Two runners have overcome remarkable odds to take part in Sunday’s Brighton Marathon.

Just a few short years ago the thought of Joseph Tanner and Hope Virgo having the strength to take on the 26-mile challenge would have seemed impossible.

However, the pair have showed great determination to battle their health problems and join thousands of other runners at the start in Preston Park.

They have now told their stories to help inspire others.

Mr Tanner, 33, from Brighton, collapsed with a heart attack six years ago while running the Hastings Half Marathon.

His heart stopped for seven minutes as volunteers and medics battled to save him in front of spectators and competitors.

He was then transferred to hospital where he stayed for three weeks.

Mr Tanner was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, a condition that causes a disruption of the heart’s normal rhythm.

He had an internal defibrillator fitted, which will kick-start his heart if it suddenly stops.

He set himself the challenge of taking on one final marathon to prove to himself he can do it.

Mr Tanner said: “I had no clue that I had a heart condition. I always considered myself a healthy person. I’m thankful that this condition showed itself on that day, at an event where defibrillators were at hand.

“It scares me to think that this could have happened to me at any time.”

Mr Tanner, who works in a gym, was told he would never run a marathon again but last October he competed in the 20km Spartan Race in four hours and two minutes.

Ms Virgo, 24, from London, hit rock bottom six years ago when she was admitted to hospital with anorexia.

She said: “Throughout my whole childhood my relationship with food wasn’t right. In my mind, if I ate I would put on weight.

“I had learnt this equation as a child and it had stuck with me. I had to completely relearn the importance of eating.

“People need to start understanding more about anorexia and mental health problems.

“Just because someone doesn’t look physically unwell, doesn’t always mean they are okay.

“I want to show people that they can stay well and run marathons and manage it even if it is slightly scary.”

Mr Tanner is running the marathon for the charities Cardiac Risk in the Young and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Visit www.justgiving.com/Joseph- Tanner-runs or www.justgiving.com/ Joseph-Tanner-runs-again.

Ms Virgo is running for Mercy International and more details can be found at www.justgiving.com/Hope doesBrighton.