Trust named as marathon charity

The Children's Trust is based at Tadworth Court mansion

A children's charity is celebrating the chance to raise at least £1.5m after being named as the official charity for the 2009 London Marathon.

The Children's Trust, at Tadworth Court, Surrey has launched an appeal to recruit 1,000 runners to join its team.

It is asking each runner to raise a minimum of £1,500 towards a new £7m rehabilitation centre.

The centre, with facilities for 22 children with acquired brain injury, is expected to be completed early in 2009.

Record numbers

The 40-year-old hydrotherapy pool is also being replaced.

Next year also marks the 25th anniversary of the trust, which took over running the facilities at Tadworth Court from Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1984.

If 1,000 runners can be recruited, it will set a record for the number of marathon competitors raising funds for the charity.

"It could potentially be really great for us," said spokesman Rob Wood.

The trust provides care, education and therapy to children from across the UK who have multiple disabilities and complex health needs.

It is the UK's only intensive rehabilitation unit for children with brain injuries, many of whom have been in road accidents.

Others may be recovering from a brain tumour or an incident such as choking or near-drowning.

This year's London Marathon is taking place on 13 April with the Spinal Injuries Association and Heart UK as its official charities.