DEFIBRILLATORS can mean the difference between life and death and four businessmen from St Albans are set to go the distance to raise cash for the life-saving equipment.

Mark Peddle, 37, Chris Pearce, 40, David Wright, 24, and Dan Ainsworth, also 24, all work for KDW Associates and together they will run the Barcelona Marathon on March 6. Every penny they raise will go towards SADS UK (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) and the purchase of two defibrillators for St Albans City Football Club and Verulam School.

So far, the fantastic four have raised just under �2,000 but they are looking to raise an impressive �5,000 and are calling on anybody who wishes to support them in their quest to ensure that public places have access to defibrillators, to sponsor them.

KDW’s relationship with SADS UK began when clients of Ken Wright, founder and director of the independent financial planning group, lost their son because of SADS. Employers at KDW were inspired by the couple, Barrie and Brenda Irons’ fundraising and their mission to raise awareness.

David said: “We are running for a brilliant charity. We have witnessed over the past few years how much of a difference something like a defibrillator can make. It saves lives and knowing that we are running to make even the slightest difference is a great motivation and fantastic feeling.”

Last year, Mark and David completed the Paris Marathon and raised �3,000 which allowed them to donate a defibrillator to Marlborough School.

The foursome will be joined by two other friends, Olly Hinks and Rob Bygrove, when they take on the 26.2 miles in Barcelona. To sponsor them visit http://www.justgiving.com/KDWbarcelona and to read about their journey visit http://kdwassociates.blogspot.com/