A BRAISHFIELD woman is running the London Marathon to help raise cash for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Elspeth Dugdale - a friend of Romsey's Dave and Allison Hartley, whose sons Nathan and Luke are waiting for bone marrow transplants - is gearing herself up for Britain's most gruelling road race on Sunday, April 17th.

"I am looking to raise £5,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust and would welcome sponsorship from individuals and businesses in the Romsey area. Absolutely everyone I speak to about running the marathon has heard of the Hartley's situation. It is incredible - their story really seems to have touched people hearts. Some friends have been sponsoring me on the basis that they would rather 'pay up' than have to do it themselves - I can see their point," said Elspeth

After clocking up a 20-mile run in the Hampshire countryside in preparation for the 'big one,' Elspeth said: "Running around Braishfield isn't quite the same as pounding the streets of

London but there are plenty of hills. My decision to take part in the London Marathon has been prompted by our involvement and friendship with the Hartley family and through the fundraising events we have previously held at Volumes Bookshop."

Elspeth said the Anthony Nolan Trust is hoping to boost people's chances of getting a bone marrow transplant by encouraging more people to become donors.

She said the charity is hoping to secure up to 500,000 donor names on its Bone Marrow Register.

She added: "It cost £70 to full tissue type each new donor. I would like to raise a minimum of £5,000."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Elspeth is asked to pick up a form at Volumes Bookshop in Romsey's Bell Street or donate via the internet at www.justgiving.com/elspethdugdale

And Romsey man Phil Taverner is also asking for readers backing. Phil is running the London Marathon to help raise cash for Asthma Research. His supporters are asked to sponsor him at his website www.justgiving.com/philtav

Lockerley Motors boss Phil Hurst is also taking part in the marathon. He's running to help raise cash for four charities. They are Marie Curie, Breast Cancer and Amber House and the Tsunami Relief Fund.

Phil, who lives at Rownhams, has been running the London Marathon for some years and anyone who wants to back him is asked to contact him on (01794) 340404.