More runners than ever before have signed up for the London Marathon in support of Peace Hospice Care in the year of its 25th anniversary.

Four runners from across Hertfordshire have so far raised £1,501 for the hospice.

One of the runners, Christine Dearman, from Watford, said after reaching a milestone birthday in September last year she wanted to do something memorable.

She said: “I have watched the London Marathon on TV every year since it started and last year I decided I would like the chance to run.

“I had previously taken part in the Push it for Peace and I’m aware that it is also Peace Hospice Care’s 25th anniversary this year.

“I have close family and friends who have been helped and supported by the hospice and I feel that the work they do is invaluable.

“I have also seen the results from support work they provide and want to do my bit to ensure their services remain available to anyone who needs them.”

Lucinda Borkett-Jones, from Chorleywood, is running the marathon in aid of Peace Hospice Care where her mum, Sheila, stayed at the inpatient unit in the final few weeks of her life.

On the day of the London Marathon it will be 18 months since Sheila died from cancer.

Ms Borkett-Jones said: “I’ve always liked taking on sporting challenges and running the London Marathon has been on my list of things to do.

“I’m pleased that I’ll be running in my mother’s memory. It’s been hard to keep going since she died, but it feels good to be taking on a positive challenge.

“Staying in the hospice was never the plan, but when mum got there it was clear that it was the right place for her to be.

“When someone close to you has a terminal illness you realise just how much we need to support institutions like Peace Hospice Care. It’s inevitable that their work will touch all of us in some way.”

Peter Watson, events and community fundraising manager at Peace Hospice Care, added: “We’re very grateful to everyone that individually fundraises for us by undertaking a huge personal challenge.

“The London Marathon is not easy and we are delighted that the runners remembered us while taking on this feat.

“We’d like to wish them all the best of luck for Sunday.”

Anyone wishing to take part in their own personal challenge this year and to support the charity can sign up to Swim Serpentine or Ride London.

Peace Hospice Care has 10 places in both events.

For more information call 01923 335373 or visit http://www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/events.