A LEADING charity is urging Worcester people to dust off their trainers and run in the London Marathon.

The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust needs runners to help combat leukaemia.

Last year, the team raised a massive £250,000 to help fund the fight against the disease.

In the next marathon, on April 14, it aims to beat that total.

"We'll be offering training and fund-raising advice, and providing competitors with a specially designed running vest," said Paul Rushton, the trust's marathon co-ordinator.

He said all team members and their supporters would be invited to the charity's hospitality suite after the race to receive a welcome massage and refreshments.

At any one point, there are more than 7,000 patients with leukaemia and related diseases who need a bone marrow transplant.

These are the people for whom chemotherapy and radiotherapy have either not worked or are not suitable.

To carry on with its research and to expand its transplant work, the trust needs to raise £13m, and it receives no Government or Lottery funding.

If you are interested in joining the team then call 01865 875757 or e-mail running@anthoynolan .com