RUNNERS who have been accepted for April's London Marathon have been invited to help out Kirkwood Hospice.

Staff are appealing for runners to raise funds for the charity.

Four people ran for Kirkwood last year and staff are looking to match the amount raised.

Hospice fundraiser Kate Leadbeater said that the charity had had a number of people lined up to run.

But all were unfortunate when it came to the ballot system and were not allocated places in the race.

"It would be brilliant if someone would like to run for us, if they have been nominated a place," she said.

Last year the runners - including Pc Alex Langley, who wore a sunflower costume - raised £5,000 for the charity.

"It's a big help," said Kate. "The total we need to run the hospice this year is £3m."

The marathon is scheduled for April 17 and 46,500 runners will be under starter's orders.

Call Kate at the hospice on 01484 557911.