ATHLETIC staff members at the Woodlands Respite Care Centre are going to run the London Marathon to raise money for the MS Society.

The centre, in Thief Lane, York, looks after people with MS. The group of staff will be supported by friends and workmates from Woodlands.

Carrie Brown, nursing manager, will be joined on the run by Jennie Brighton, deputy nursing manager, John Prosser, chef, and Emma Leadley, carer.

Jenny Wharram, volunteer co-ordinator, said: "They have been busy training going on 20-mile runs and have been having to stick to roads because of the foot and mouth crisis, so it's been hard going.

"But there will be a lot of support down there for them on the day."

As well as sponsorship, the staff are appealing for support with their train fares down to London. If you can help, phone the centre on 01904 430600.

- Children are the reason one York woman is donning her trainers and running the London marathon for the first time.

Katherin Marger, 34, of Temple Lane, Copmanthorpe, is running the 26-mile race for the children's charity, Dreams Come True.

Mrs Marger has been training hard for next month's race and thinks she is just about up to it.

She said: "I think I'll be ready, I just have to have a very strong mind. Mind you, I feel sick every time I remember what I've signed up to do.

"I've never done anything like this before, it's certainly a challenge. I've always given to charity over the years, but this year I felt I wanted to do something bigger and hopefully raise more money."

Mrs Marger, who use to be a sports and biology teacher in her native Germany, hopes to raise more than £1,000.

Updated: 12:19 Tuesday, March 27, 2001