GET on your marks for the Marie Curie Nurses Appeal.

The charity is appealing for runners to take on the London Marathon and help people facing the toughest time of their lives.

Marie Curie Cancer Care, with the backing of The Bolton News, is aiming to raise £200,000.

The money will provide more free nursing care for terminally ill people, enabling them to die in their own homes, in familiar surroundings and with their loved ones by their side.

Places for the Virgin London Marathon 2010 will be announced this week.

Anyone from Bolton who has secured a place is being asked to join the Daffodil Team and contribute to the Marie Curie Nurses Appeal.

Hannah Taylor, community fundraiser for the charity, said: “The London Marathon is one of life’s great challenges — a fantastic run in a stunning city — and Marie Curie is calling on all runners who’ve secured a place to help those facing the toughest challenge of their lives.

“By running with Marie Curie, you’ll be making an amazing difference to the lives of people in Bolton.

“The money you raise will help us to provide more nursing care and support to terminally ill patients.”

Her brother, Ian Taylor, aged 29, of Barnfield Drive, Westhoughton, took part last year.

He said: “It was excellent to do. The atmosphere was something I’ve never experienced in road running before and every few miles Marie Curie was there supporting you.

“I recommend everyone does it at least once; you get a great sense of achievement and Marie Curie is a wonderful cause to do it for.”

Marie Curie runners will receive a free Nike running vest, 10 per cent discount on running gear and footwear at nikestore.com, fundraising support, online advice and news, a cheering squad for the day and a great post-marathon reception.

For more details on doing the London Marathon for the Marie Curie, contact Hannah on 0161 255 2809 or 07798 638127.

To find out about the appeal visit theboltonnews.co.uk/ mariecurie. Let us know what you are doing on 01204 537203.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk