Marathon runners in Swindon are being urged to help the Meningitis Research Foundation next year.

The charity is calling on people who already have a place in the London Marathon to run for them. All money raised will help fund vital research into the prevention, detection and treatment of the disease, as well as raise awareness of meningitis and septicaemia and provide support for those affected.

Meningitis and septicaemia kill more children under five than any other infectious disease.

These diseases can strike anyone of any age and can have devastating consequences including amputation, brain damage and hearing loss.

If you have a place in the marathon and want to run for the foundation ring the charity 01454 281814.