FOUR runners are warming up for the London Marathon in aid of Overgate Hospice.

The 26.2mile charity race is just six days away and marathon organisers gave the hospice a guaranteed place for each of its three decades.

One of the runners has secured a place themselves and has chosen to support the Elland-based hospice.

Frances Wear, a nurse at Calderdale, will be taking on her first run for Overgate and chose it as several family members have passed away due to cancer.

She is already nearing her £1,000 fundraising target.

Joining her is Samantha Haigh, a teacher at Rastrick High School. Samantha gets married in July and her vest brightly read ‘The Future Mrs Flanagan’.

Samantha chose Overgate Hospice as the pupils at the school were fundraising at the time.

She said: “It is very rewarding to know that the money I raise will go to such a worthy cause, contributing to care for families who require the best possible care at a difficult time”.

Rachel Garrod, a legal secretary, chose the hospice as her grandma was cared for by the team.

Rachel said: “I feel indebted to the nurses and all the other people associated with Overgate for their hard work and dedication which I witnessed while my grandma was being cared for.”

Leon Severn, of Stainland, chose to run for Overgate, saying it plays a big part in people’s lives in the community.

To support Overgate’s marathon runners call 01422 387121.