IT IS said to be one of the most popular marathons in the world and one Southampton children's charity has got a record nine runners taking part in the 26-mile run to raise in excess of £12,000.

Hazel Smith, Ian Chalk, Steve Emm, Andrew Wood, Matthew Avery, Richard Pring, Kevin Sawers, Danny Franceschini and Andrew Congdon will all be running the gruelling event to raise money for the Rose Road Association.

Bridgett Vane, director of marketing and fundraising for Rose Road, said: "Training for the Flora London Marathon is a huge commitment. This year we have a record nine runners for Rose Road all committed not only to a gruelling regime but also to raising essential sponsorship money for us.

"We are thrilled that all our runners are totally involved, and they have all have spent time with our special children and know first hand why we need to fundraise. We wish them all the very best in London on April 23 and we'll be cheering them on."

The charity, which looks after and works with children and young people with profound and multiple disabilities, has managed to secure the runners under the golden bond scheme which allows charities to offer sought-after places in return for a minimum sponsorship.

Each runner taking part for Rose Road has their own reason for doing the London Marathon whether it is because they have run for the charity before, like Steve and Hazel, or because they are marathon addicts like Richard, who at the age of 60 is the oldest representative for the charity or because they have a strong association with Rose Road like Andrew, whose brother, Stephen visits the Oaks and Acorns Respite Centre regularly.

To sponsor any or all of the runners for Rose Road you can pledge your donations by mentioning which individual you would like to sponsor by calling 023 8072 1234 or e-mailing fundraising@ roseroad.org.