MORE than £12,000 was raised for a hospice charity by runners who completed the London Marathon.

Eight runners raised a huge £12,000 for Weldmar Hospicecare by running a marathon last weekend, either in London or closer to home. The money will help the charity continue to care for adults in Dorset with life-limiting illnesses, and provide support to their families.

Alaine Harman, from the Weldmar fundraising team, has congratulated the runners for completing the 26.2 mile challenge.

She said: "Having completed the London Marathon myself, I know what determination you need and how much training is involved over a number of months beforehand.

"It was a lovely experience to be at the Weldmar cheering station in Shadwell and being able to shout encouragement as our runners went by, knowing they were just five miles from the end.

"And to those who did the virtual marathon locally, a huge well done to them for completing the event without the help of cheering crowds to spur them on."

For more information on Weldmar Hospicecare, visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk