FIRST aiders from Dorset will be supporting the nation's marathon runners as they sweat it out on the streets of the capital.
The 60 Dorset St John Ambulance volunteers will be among 1,400 volunteers helping runners make it to the finish line of the London Marathon next Sunday, April 13.
Cadets from the age of 12 will hand out petroleum jelly to runners to relieve rubbing, while youngsters from the age of 16 upwards will be carrying out basic first aid supervised by adults.
Every year around 5,000 runners stop for support from the charity.
The most common injuries are blisters, cramp and dehydration.
The service provides 50 ambulances, 59 treatment centres, 2,000 plasters, 200 bottles of baby oil and 250 tubs of petroleum jelly on the day.
Some eight first aiders on bikes, known as cycle responders, will be able to reach runners who cannot be easily accessed by ambulance.
Ann Cable, commissioner of St John in London, said: "The marathon is a spectacular day and we will be helping everyone enjoy the fun."
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