A QUINTET of charitable runners will be travelling to the nation’s capital to compete in the 2017 London Marathon in aid of Mary Stevens Hospice.

Many people use the 26.2 mile run as an opportunity to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts, and on Sunday, April 23, the Stourbridge-based cause will have five fundraisers running alongside the more than 40,000 expected to be taking part in this year's race.

‘Team MSH’, as they have been named, consists of Morag Drysdale, Matt Cox, James Meade, Jim Pycraft and Gary Phillips, who are travelling from as far away as Cumbria in order to support the Hagley Road hospice in the event.

Charlotte Schofield, head of fundraising and lottery at Mary Stevens Hospice, said: “This is an iconic race which is revered across the world, and to know the hospice has such fantastic representation within it is really special.

“We’ll be there supporting Team MSH on the day, and we’d love to see our local community get right behind the guys as they do the area proud.”

The iconic race attracts professional and amateur runners from all over the globe, and has seen more than one million people take in the unique tour of London’s landmarks during the last 36 years.

Dan Malin, the hospice’s digital media and PR specialist, said: “I can't think of five people I’d rather have running it for us.

“They’ve all put so much hard work and determination into being ready for this race, and I know that they'll be great.

“It’s an atmosphere like no other, and the whole day really is just something to savour and enjoy.

“The fact that they are all doing it for their own incredibly emotional and personal reasons makes us all the prouder of them.”

To find out more about the individuals running for the hospice, and how to support them, visit www.marystevenshospice.co.uk/london-marathon-2017