LONDON Marathon runners looking for a second chance to enter next year's race, now the ballot has closed, can apply through a charity for Gobowen's Orthopaedic Hospital.

Spaces for the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund are available for the 2023 London Marathon in April next year, and 'Team RJAH' has spots available.

There are 22 spaces available at the Oswestry-based hospital and runners who would be interested in representing the hospital are invited to get in touch.

Stacey Keegan, RJAH chief executive, said: “We are delighted that we are able to enter a team of runners in the London Marathon every year, it’s a fantastic event which benefits charities all across the world.

“I am incredibly proud to be running the 2022 London Marathon myself to raise money for the RJAH Charity – all funds raised will only enhance the already excellent service provided to our patients.

“I started running to improve my physical health and soon saw the added benefits to my mental health. This is my first full marathon, which I am looking forward to partaking in.

“We are so grateful to all the runners who pledge their support to the RJAH Charity, and our wider fundraisers, who ensure we provide the best possible service we can for our patients.”

Victoria Sugden, charity director, added: “The London Marathon is the biggest fundraiser on the calendar and all runners play a massive part in enabling us to provide the best possible support to patients and staff at RJAH.

“For those who have taken up running over the last two years this is the perfect opportunity to run the marathon while raising funds for our hospital – please do get in touch and we will support you all the way to the finish line.”

The 2023 TCS London Marathon is planned to take place on Sunday, April 23.

A spokesman added: "Runners offered a place on Team RJAH must commit to raising a minimum of £1,500 for the Trust.

"Those funds help us to support research and develop new treatments, provide state of the art equipment and facilities and provide extra comfort to our patients."

For more information on how to apply for a place in Team RJAH, including downloading an application form, you can email: rjah.fundraising@nhs.net or visit the dedicated web page: www.rjah.nhs.uk/marathon