A CHILDREN'S charity in Southampton is urging runners to support them in next year's London Marathon.

The Rainbow Trust Children's Charity is calling on runners who have already got a ballot place for the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon to join Team Rainbow Trust.

The charity is aiming to raise more than £100,000 from the event which will all be used for the Family Support Workers to allow them to reach out to more families in Southampton with a seriously ill child.

The charity provides support to families with a life threatened or terminally ill child and is inviting runners to get in touch and become a part of their team.

Team benefits will include a professional personalised vest and rainbow hair, full support from a single point of contact, professional marathon training days and a friendly post-race reception with a massage.

Nicola Musk, sports and challenges manager, said: “We welcome runners lucky enough to have received a ballot place in the marathon to join us and enjoy the feeling of running in a team for a great cause, without the pressure of having a set fundraising target.

"We work hard to create a very special experience for our team and all our runners will be showing support for families facing incredibly difficult circumstances. Every pound raised will be very much appreciated.”

In 2015 the charity had a team of 50 runners, to join Team Rainbow Trust contact the Sports Team on 01372 220031 or events@rainbowtrust.org.uk.