Twelve local runners will line up for St Richard's Hospice at this year's Virgin Money London Marathon.

They will be in Greenwich Park on Sunday April 26, all hoping to raise as much money as possible for the hospice and to realise personal ambitions of completing the famous marathon.

Jodi Brandwood, Community Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “The London Marathon is a high profile and prestigious event and it is always a delight to cheer on all the runners, especially those who are taking part in memory of someone dear to them.

"This year there are more runners than ever raising money for St Richard’s Hospice. Some are veteran marathon runners and others will be taking on the personal challenge for the first time. We are very grateful for their support and wish them all the very best.”

Malvern residents, Mike Anstey and Lynda Broadway will join ten other runners supporting the hospice at the event.

Worcester runners Luke Hamilton-Jones and Jeremy Jones, together with Nick Graham and Mark Petheram have secured places through St Richard’s Hospice’s five Golden Bond scheme places, while Russ Barnes, from Kidderminster, Colin Baker, from Droitwich, Jane Evans, from Solihull, Simon Purfield, from Evesham, Shelley Beard, and Amy Stephens have secured independent places for the event.

Each will be running in memory of a loved one and raising money to help the hospice offer compassionate care to patients with life-threatening illnesses and support their families.

Among the famous runners on the starting line will be women’s marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe who will be taking part in her final race before retiring from the sport.

Anyone wishing to make a donation, to help St Richard’s Hospice provide compassionate care, should visit www.justgiving.com/strichards