Two best friends will run 10km for charity this weekend to raise funds and awareness for a disease people “don’t understand”.

Amelia Prigmore and Mikaela Greenwood, who have been close friends for nine years since attending the same school, will take part in the British 10k London Run on July 10, from Piccadilly to Whitehall, in aid of Epilepsy Research UK.

Ms Greenwood, 27 from Muswell Hill, suffers from epilepsy, and Ms Prigmore said they have raised money for research into it before, but never quite like this.

The 24-year-old said they have participated in various fundraising events for epilepsy charities in the past, including fundraising at London Bridge Station collecting commuters’ change on their way to work, but this year they have decided to be more active and put their fitness to the test.

Ms Greenwood, from Winchmore Hill, said: “We have been training hard, it is a first for both of us, but we are very excited, a little bit nervous but more excited.

“I don’t really know what to expect, but I have heard from other people about the great atmosphere, I’m looking forward to that.

“When I saw ERUK was main charity, I thought, I have to do this. People don’t realise how much it effects people, epilepsy just doesn’t get the attention it needs, a lot of people can’t control it and there is so much research that can be done, people don’t understand.

“We’ve been so lucky raising money; everyone has been very generous. We know we still have a few people left who have said they will donate, so I hope we meet our target.”

On their Just Giving page the girls have set a target of £800, and so far have raised £667.

To donate, visit their sponsor page at www.justgiving.com/amelia-mikaela.