A WIRRAL based charity has been awarded ten places in next year's London Marathon thanks to the generosity of Chester Lions Club.

Cerebral palsy charity Stick ‘n’ Step is now looking for marathon runners to take part in the Virgin London Marathon.

With long term supporter Nathan Dransfield (aka Banana Man) taking one of the places, the charity is looking for nine more people interested in running the marathon to get in touch if they would like to run on behalf of Stick ‘n’ Step.

In order to be considered for a place, all runners will be asked to raise a minimum of £2,000 in sponsorship money.

Successful applicants will be given full support from Stick ‘n’ Step’s fundraising team for fundraising, training advice and tips. Every penny raised will go towards supporting children with cerebral palsy and their families across the region.

Jenny Snell, head of fundraising at Stick ‘n’ Step, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Chester Lions for these places.

"Demand is so high and this is an amazing opportunity for us.

"Next year’s London Marathon takes place on Sunday 28th April. If anyone has been thinking of taking part but has not been able to secure a place so far, I would ask them to get in touch with us as we’d love to hear from them. The deadline for applications is Friday 28th September so don’t delay!”

Peter Bellion, from Chester Lions, added: “We were lucky enough to be in receipt of ten spaces and decided Stick ‘n’ Step was the obvious choice to benefit from them.

"The charity does fantastic work for young people and their families across the North West and we are thrilled to be able to assist the team in this way.”

Stick ‘n’ Step offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families. The charity provides the children with totally free of charge conductive education sessions, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live independent lives. Children from 97 families, from across the region, attend these sessions weekly or twice weekly at the charity’s Wallasey and Runcorn centres.

Email jenny@sticknstep.org or ring the Stick ‘n’ Step centre at Wallasey on 0151 638 0888 or at Runcorn 01928 573777 to request an entry form.