The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, is inviting sporty supporters to apply for one of the charity’s Golden Bond places in the UK’s ultimate running experience, the 2003 Flora London Marathon.

Runners will be fully supported by the charity who offer help with fundraising, a training and nutrition guide, and post-marathon party with a professional sports massage.

Blue Cross runners will also have the help of professional marathon trainer Ian Ladbrooke.

Ian’s training package, which includes individual coaching and tailor-made training programmes is only being offered to Blue Cross runners in next year’s London marathon and is exclusive to the animal welfare charity. By offering this unique system of support the Blue Cross is hoping to help more runners achieve their fitness goals, as well as encouraging them to take up the running challenge on the charity’s behalf.

If accepted, Blue Cross Golden Bond runners will be asked to raise a minimum of £1,500 sponsorship per person to help the charity’s running team reach their target of £30,000. All money raised will go to help The Blue Cross continue fulfilling its unique role caring for sick and abandoned animals.

Tracey Chittock, Events Officer at The Blue Cross, said: “We are dependent upon the generosity of the public and the London marathon is a crucial part of our fundraising calendar. Obviously the physical demands of the run means it will not be open to all, but for those who can rise to the challenge, it is a unique opportunity to achieve something extraordinary while raising money for a good cause’.

For those interested in applying for a Blue Cross Golden Bond, or who already have won a place through the ballot for Flora London Marathon 2003 and would like to run for the charity, please contact Tracey Chittock at The Blue Cross on 01993-825501 ext 253.