Be a Part of London Marathon with TeamPB

9 OCT2011

Didn't get a place in next year's London Marathon? There is still time to choose to run for a good cause and official joint charities for the event (Team PB) want you to run for them.

Celebrity support is mounting behind TeamPB with a host of famous faces having pledged to back what is hoped will be a record breaking team, uniting both The Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care. You could be part of TeamPB by applying before October 31 for one of the guaranteed places through the Gold Bond scheme.

Star of ITV1's Coronation Street, Tupele Dorgu, was among the first to don her running shoes and sign up to the team. She said: "I'm quite daunted as I've never run a marathon before, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. I will be running in TeamPB alongside people with breast or prostate cancer, so it is going to be a very inspiring and motivating experience. If anyone feels like making a difference, I hope they join us. Go on!"

Dave Prowse, better known as Darth Vader of Star Wars fame, is hoping 'the force' will be with TeamPB. Prowse, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 said: "The force is strong with The Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer who look set to raise a record breaking amount at the Virgin London Marathon 2012 with TeamPB; their army of runners.

"For anyone who is thinking of running the marathon next year, guaranteed places are available with TeamPB, and believe me when I tell you, it is your destiny, and you've got the support of Darth Vader behind you!"

The team also has a number of mentors on board from the worlds of running, fitness, nutrition, radio, television, including coaching expert Fiona Bugler. They will offer advice and support to help runners get the most from their training and fundraising.

Among these mentors is television chef Ken Hom. Ken, who was treated for prostate cancer in 2010, will be creating a series of energy boosting recipes to give the team maximum staying power. He said: "It is a real honour to be supporting TeamPB. I know all too well how important these causes are, having been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer myself and supported a very good friend through her treatment for breast cancer.

"Anything I can do to raise awareness, I will and being part of TeamPB is another way I can help to put prostate cancer on the map and raise vital funds to help others beat it like I did. Thankfully, I am now fighting fit and I will be supporting all the TeamPB runners every step of the way with recipes to keep their energy and stamina levels up throughout their training and on marathon day."

To help keep runners entertained throughout the dark winter nights a number of musicians and DJs from across a range of genres will be creating their perfect playlist to train and run to. The team's website will play host to the favorite tracks from artists such as the nation's favorite tenor Alfie Boe, to the electronic energy of Hot Chip.

All the funds raised from the project will go towards supporting those affected by prostate and breast cancer. Each year in the UK around 50,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer and 37,000 men with prostate cancer. In total, more than 750,000 people are currently living with one of these two cancers.

To apply for a place in TeamPB, click here or call 0845 200 2773.