TWO members of staff at University College Worcester are paving the way for specialist medical facilities by running in the London Marathon.

Maria Kavanagh, who is a senior lecturer in palliative care, and Chris Garratt, who is an IT support team member, will be pounding the streets on Sunday.

Both are raising funds for charities close to their hearts.

Ms Kavanagh is passionate in her belief that Worcester needs an in-patient hospice. Although St Richard's Hospice offers in-home support and day care, it cannot house patients overnight.

The hospice is planning to build a new £4m hospice on the outskirts of the city to provide in-patient care.

"I worked in palliative care for six years before moving across to UCW as a lecturer and I know first hand how difficult it is to provide proper care for dying patients and their families," she said.

"I really hope the money I raise will kick-start the fund-raising for the hospice properly and make the provision of a 24-hour care facility a real possibility locally."

Mr Garratt ran the London Marathon last year and swore immediately afterwards that he would not do it again.

But this year he will be joining the thousands of other runners to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Activity Fund and Cancer Research UK.

Last year, a colleague was admitted to the Spinal Injuries Unit in Oswestry and one of his friend's fathers died of cancer in December.

"Having done it last year I know I can do it again," he said.

"Despite the initial feelings that I never wanted to see a running shoe ever again, I am really up for it this year and looking forward to the experience."

Anyone who would like to sponsor either runner can contact them through UCW on 01905 855000.

Railway worker is on track to finish race and boost charity

A 29-year-old rail worker is hoping he is on the right track to complete the gruelling London Marathon, even though he has never before run that distance.

"I like to run to keep active," said Steven Lewis from Painswick Close, Warndon.

"But the most I have ever run is 17-18 miles and that was during the training period.

"I think the adrenaline on the day, the crowd and the whole atmosphere will take me over the line. It will be an achievement," he said.

Mr Lewis, who is a railway signalman, has already raised £1,500 for the Children with Leukaemia charity, half of which has come from his employers Network Rail through their Partners in Giving scheme.

This ensures that the amount of money raised by Steven will be matched by his employers.