A WORCESTER hospice is encouraging runners to support the charity at next year’s London Marathon.

This year’s runners for St Richard’s Hospice enjoyed a fantastic day, said community fund-raiser Phillippa Jones.

She said: “Our runners had an amazing experience and were buoyed up by their families, friends and supporters along the way. “We are grateful for all their amazing tenacity, endurance and their brilliant fund-raising efforts.”

Ballots are now open to run the London Marathon 2012 in aid of the hospice in Wildwood Drive.

St Richard’s provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families.

The charity is grateful for all donations towards the £5.2 million it needs to raise this year to continue its work.