A RUNNER from Northwich has thought up a unique way of supporting the National Blood Service when she takes part in the London marathon this weekend.

Carol Green, 35, from Victoria Street, will join thousands of other people to run the 26.2-mile stretch on Sunday, April 18.

But instead of asking people to contribute money to support her chosen charity, she is calling on people to donate blood.

Carol got the idea after reading an article that stated the National Blood Service was severely short of donors to meet its ever-increasing demands for blood.

She said: "I read that something similar had been done last year and thought it was a good idea."

Carol had the chance to run the marathon in 2003 but had to defer her place because of an injury. Although she is looking forward to this year's challenge, she has had her doubts too.

She said: "When I first got the letter confirming my place I thought 'yes' and then in the next breath I though 'no' once I'd weighed up the mileage."

She has been training intensively for the past three months and hopes to complete the race in four hours, 11 minutes.

Carol will collect the details of potential donors and pass them on to the blood service, which will then make contact with the volunteers.

If you would like to support Carol, you can contact her mother Rita Green on 01606 77519.

For more information on becoming a blood donor, call 0845 7744711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.

gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk