A HOSPICE is asking runners to step up to a marathon challenge to help celebrate its 25th anniversary.

St Teresa’s Hospice, in Darlington, wants to find 25 volunteers to run 25 marathons in aid of the charity, as it marks its silver anniversary year.

It is challenging each runner to raise £250, which would realise a total of more than £6,000 for the hospice, which provides care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families.

So far, three runners have taken up the challenge – and staff are hoping 22 more will join them.

Former hospice trustee Peter Rowley, former chief executive of Darlington Building Society and a Sport England board member, has signed up, along with hospice volunteer Michelle Boshier, who has registered for the Liverpool marathon.

Paul Cook, a reporter for The Northern Echo, has also pledged to run a marathon for the charity this year, although he has yet to decide which one.

The charity must raise £1.5m a year to continue providing its vital service to people across the region.

Hospice director Jane Bradshaw said : “We hope to see people running in marathons up and down the country, flying the flag for St Teresa’s and helping us celebrate 25 years of providing care.

“In total, 25 marathon runners will have run further than Lands End to John O’Groats, and their sweat and hard work will mean thousands of pounds raised to support our work.