A POLICE officer has swapped her truncheon and boots for a pair of trainers to raise vital funds for a leading children's charity.

Det Con Annie Hamer from Worcester division's domestic violence unit is aiming to complete the London Marathon with Reality worker Denise Griffiths on behalf of the Children with Leukaemia charity.

The keen runners have been pounding the streets of Worcester since January and are currently putting in 22-mile runs to get in shape.

"This charity is very close to my heart. I have had two adult members of my family die from leukaemia and I am aware of other people who have been affected by relatives who have the disease," said Det Con Hamer.

"We've been pledged about £1,000 so far, and apart from suffering from a couple of pulls and strains, the training is going well."

Anyone wanting to sponsor the duo before the marathon can contact Annie on 01905 331049.

Running vest and hard hat

A MARATHON runner finished a 26.2-mile practice run with a therapeutic soak in Droitwich's Brine Baths.

Roger Northam, aged 40, ran from Solihull to Droitwich to prepare for the marathon.

And, after pledging £500 to the Droitwich-based Young Firefighters Association, the house builder ended up being given a fireman's lift into the town's famous baths.

The association, set up by ex-firefighters, aims to give disadvantaged 13 to 17 year olds, a purpose in life.

"The London Marathon is on Palm Sunday, so if anyone wants to grease my palm with silver in aid of a very worthwhile cause, then I'd be very grateful," he said.

Local dignitaries - including the Mayor of Droitwich, Councillor Terry Spencer - met Mr Northam for a celebratory glass of champagne on completion of the run.

"This is a sterling personal effort and Mr Northam has my full admiration," said Coun Spencer.

The George Wimpey Sales & Marketing Director, who is planning to run the London course in his hard hat, is hoping to raise £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Martyn's big day

A TOOLMAKER is steeling himself for the longest run of his life next month.

Martyn Dorr, aged 34, is currently preparing for the marathon.

He is getting himself into shape at the same time as raising more than £1,000 for Leukaemia Care.

His wife, Teresa, said he decided to attempt the race to prove himself to his two sons.

Mr Dorr, of Baynham Drive, Spetchley, Worcester, has been preparing for the event by running gradually increasing distances.

Get fit and raise cash

TWO Worcester brothers from the county have decided to get fit and raise cash the hard way - by competing in next month's gruelling London Marathon.

Paul Hill, aged 35, and brother Richard, aged 38, have been training for the event since they discovered they had been accepted, via the "ballot box", 12 months ago.

The pair will raise money for the Anaphylaxis Campaign a national charity that researches and combats the affects of dangerous allergic reactions.