TWO runners went the extra mile to help young people during hospital visits.

Running partners Joanne Smith, of Grappenhall, and Sandie Hayes, of Stockton Heath, set themselves the challenge of running the London Marathon in April to raise money for computer equipment for Warrington Hospital.

Mrs Smith, who teaches year four pupils at Broomfields Junior School, Appleton, said: “We wanted to raise money for something close to our hearts. We both have children and we ran the marathon to raise money for IT equipment for Warrington Hospital for children who need long-term care.

“It’s really good for them to keep in touch with their friends and keep up with their studies especially when they have GCSEs and things.”

The athletic pair managed to raise £1,000 from the 26-mile run and pupils at Broomfields Junior School collected around £500 from an own-clothes day.

The charity Express Link-Up was presented with the money and will provide and install the equipment into the hospital, which currently has no IT facilities for children to use.

Some of the money will be spent on a new desktop computer for the Bridge Lane School.

Mrs Smith would like to thank all of the parents, staff, pupils and friends for supporting the cause.