Two Chester fundraisers will be among 35,000 runners taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday.
Colleagues Paula Jones and Mark Gould, who work at Muir Group, both have personal reasons for doing the 26.2-mile run, and although they won entry through ballot places, which means they don’t have to raise money, they have both decided to fundraise as much as they can for charities close to their hearts.
Paula, a rent and service charge manager at Muir, is supporting Lymphoma Research after her boyfriend was diagnosed with the disease in 2006, and has now made a full recovery following treatment.
She said: “I’ve been a keen runner for years and have completed more than 10 half-marathons but have not yet managed a full one.
“This year I thought I’d give it a try and managed to be awarded a ballot place, so I don’t have to fundraise for a charity. But I really wanted to as without Lymphoma Research my partner would not be here today.”
She added: “My aim is to finish the marathon in less than five hours and raise as much money as I can for the charity.
“I’m really grateful for the sponsorship I’ve received so far, which will help other people get the help they need to beat this terrible disease.”
And Mark, who works as a technical services manager, will be running for the Alzheimer’s Society following his grandad’s diagnosis with the condition last year.
“This is my fifth marathon in total, and the second time I’ve run in London,” he said.
“This time I’m helping my grandad and thousands like him who are suffering from Alzheimer’s as it’s a horrible condition that affects both individuals and their families.
“I’m aiming to break the four-hour barrier for the first time this year and try and enjoy it as much as possible.”
Muir Group has donated £100 to both Paula and Mark, and you can donate through their Just Giving pages at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkGould and uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PeaJones.
