FORWARD-thinking fitness fanatics are being asked to run the 2006 London Marathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

With this year's race approaching fast, Worcestershire's runners are being urged to think ahead and begin preparations to get fit and raise cash for April 2006.

In 2004, marathon runners collected more than £220,000, which helped provide free nursing for terminally-ill people in their own homes.

The Marie Curie trust is hoping to recruit even more kind-hearted people to take part in 2006's 26-mile race, to allow them to offer vital care to more patients.

For more information, e-mail on sian.millard@mariecurie.org.uk or call 01905 427531.