A DAD and his friend are planning a marathon challenge to raise £20,000 for the hospice and hospital caring for his daughter with leukaemia.

David Baulch and Craig Potter hope to raise £20,000 to split between Northfleet-based EllenorLions Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital by running six marathons in one year.

The two 30-year-olds are raising the money to thank both organisations for their care for Mr Baulch’s daughter five-year-old Amelia since she was diagnosed with leukaemia almost two years ago.

They will begin the challenge with the London Marathon next year, and then run in Stockholm, Berlin, the French Riviera and Florida, before finishing with the 2012 London Marathon.

Mr Baulch, of Harcourt Road, Bexleyheath, said: “Amelia finishes her treatment in January next year so we are hoping that by the time we start the challenge she will be in remission.”

The civil servant added: “Amelia is going to get better because of the care the hospice and hospital have given us, and we are just so keen to do something to say thank you.”

Business and sales manager Mr Potter, who lives in Sydney Road, Bexleyheath, and has a two-and-a-half week old son, says the challenge is going to be “really tough but worth it”.

Amelia’s family and friends have already raised £18,550 for the hospice in Coldharbour Road and the hospital in London through events including Mr Baulch cycling from London to Paris.

For more information about Amelia, or to help with fundraising, go to ameliabaulch.net