MEDICS are facing a marathon' shift to help stroke patients in Blackburn and Darwen.

But almost 50 hard-working doctors from the Royal Blackburn Hospital will not be confined to the wards for their crusade.

Instead sporty surgeons, athletic anaesthetists and cross-country consultants will be donning their running shoes for the Great Manchester Run, on May 20.

Shameena Bharucha, a senior house officer at the hospital, had the task of rounding up her health-conscious colleagues for the challenge.

And she took her lead from a stroke specialist at the Blackburn super-hospital, and decided their 10kilometre outing would be in aid of The Stroke Association.

Last year Dr Nick Roberts, who helped to form a family and carer support group for stroke victims in Blackburn 15 years ago, completed the run - and suggested colleagues might want to follow in his footsteps in 2007.

Rebecca Owen, Stroke Association regional fundraiser, said: "We are delighted to have all the doctors on board, and are grateful for the vital funds they will help raise."