A group of mums from Kelsall are on the fundraising mission of their lives to make the most of landing five golden tickets for next year’s London Marathon.

Calling themselves The Marathon Mums - Juliet Clark, Vicky Robinson, Steph Burrows, Abi Richardson and Claire Barton decided to take part in the 26 mile race in 2016 in aid of North West Cancer Research (NWCR) because all of them have a connection of losing a loved one to cancer.

But despite the fact that being given five golden tickets secures each of them a place in the race, it also means they have to raise a minimum of £7,500 for the charity.

Setting themselves the less ‘daunting’ task of raising £1,500 each, so far the mums have reached around £3,000 altogether, by holding various fundraising events including cake sales, exercise classes, raffles and sponsorship from local businesses.

They have a number of upcoming events, such as a quiz night at the Farmers Arms in Kelsall on November 10, a Family Quiz night at Kelsall Community Centre featuring supper and games on November 28 and a bag pack at Marks & Spencer’s in Chester on December 20.

Claire told The Chronicle: “We are five mums in our forties, we juggle work, kids, home life, running and fundraising. I’m aware we are a small concern in respect of what we are trying to achieve but against all the plates we are spinning between us and some of the emotional journeys some of us are on, plus the amount we have to raise as a minimum, it can feel rather hard work.

“The amount of money we have to raise feels daunting at times which is a minimum of £7,500 between the five of us which is £1.500 each,” she explained. “The golden ticket is where we agree with NWCR to raise the amount mentioned in exchange for a guaranteed place in the London Marathon. This enabled us to run together and fundraise as a team whilst hopefully creating a bigger impact and awareness for our cause.

“We have to raise that amount of money so we have meetings frequently to capitalize on any opportunity to raise even a small amount. I hope we smash the total and that we are able to handover a phenomenal amount of money just to reflect the effort and support that has been put into this by everyone involved, especially immediate families who will have to help us through our commitment to the training and the event itself.

“This is a cause which on the whole has touched all of our lives with family and friends and unfortunately continues to do so. We all know someone diagnosed who with cancer with each passing week.”

To support the Marathon Mums, visit their justgiving page - NWCR Marathon Mums at https://www.justgiving.com/acjsv/