A team of twelve runners will be tackling the London Marathon to raise money for a charity hospice next month.

The group are aiming to raise a combined total of more than £15,000 for St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood by running the 26.2 mile track.

Five of the runners received Gold Bond places for this year’s marathon, chosen by St Clare from a host of applicants all vying to run for the hospice.

An additional six runners in including a wheelchair racer, chose to run in aid of the charity after securing their own place through the ballot.

Colin Moody, from Harlow, who is running his 25th London Marathon, is aiming to complete the challenge in three hours and 45 minutes.

He said: “The Hospice provides an excellent support service to people and their families in West Essex and East Herts, and it doesn’t receive all its finance from the government or NHS – so they’re always looking to raise vital funding to continue developing their services.

“If you can, please sponsor us for running the London Marathon by giving generously, as we know your donations will be put to good use.”

St Clare Hospice’s challenges and events fundraiser, Emma Broadbent, said: “The sheer commitment of Team St Clare makes us swell with pride each and every year – they are so brave, and so dedicated to helping raise vital funding to go towards the Hospice’s care for local people and their families.

“If you were one of the lucky 17,000 people to secure a ballot place this year, there’s still time to join Team St Clare. The team are so supportive of each other, sharing running tips and tricks and boosting each other’s morale.

“It’s a big and scary thing for many people to run the Marathon – but joining a group like Team St Clare can make such a difference as well as making your run mean that much more.”

The London Marathon will take place on Sunday April 28.

The charity is still encouraging those lucky enough to secure a ballot place of their own, to get in touch and collect sponsorship for St Clare.

To secure a ballot place and collect a sponsorship for St Clare Hospice, contact Emma Broadbent on 01279 773754 or email emma.broadbent@stclarehospice.org.uk