Two doctors from Truro will be leaving their rounds to take part in the Flora London Marathon on April 22 to raise money for cancer sufferers.

Andrew Sharp a doctor in the oncology department at Royal Cornwall Hospital and Phil Reilly a paediatric doctor also at RCH are both donning their running shoes to raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care.

The pair who have never run a marathon before are now in training for the marathon in London later this month.

They hope to raise £1,500 for their chosen charities and have managed to secure a large cheque and sponsorship from a Truro firm of solicitors.

Janina Porter who works for Nalders in Truro is a friend of runner Mr Sharp and arranged the sponsorhip which includes a cheque for £500 and commemorative T-shirts.

She said: "I think they are making a terrific gesture for the hospices. Neither has run a marathon before, but they are both very keen to make a real success of it and raise a lot of money for the hospices in the process.

"Nalders are delighted to be able to support them and wish them every success."

The doctors will be supporting Cornwall Hospice Care which formed a year ago from St Julia's, Mount Edgecumbe, Hayle and St Austell hospices. The charity provides specialist palliative care units and offers symptom control and support to people with life threatening illnesses.

Anyone wanting to support the pair is invited to send a cheque made payable to "Cornwall Hospice Care," to Phil Reilly, 31 Pendeen Road, Malpas, Truro, TR1 1QP or by logging on to www.justgiving.com