A FUNDRAISING duo are going the extra mile to raise money for charity.
Overleigh Orthodontics dental nurses Claire Doolan, 37, of Waverton, and Karen Jones, 33, of Heswall, are taking part in the Cancer Research UK Shine marathon in Manchester on April 17.
The event is the first night time walking marathon in the city.
Claire said: “It started out as a bit of a joke at work. Our work colleagues said we’d never be able to complete it and it kind of snowballed from there.
“We are training hard two to three times a week and doing long walks at the weekend.
“We’re hoping to be on track for April 17 and hope to complete it in about six hours.”
Claire and Karen were attracted to the event because participants can choose what type of cancer research their money will go to.
Claire has chosen for her funds to go toward breast cancer research and Karen has chosen for her money to research childhood leukaemia.
More than 7,000 men and women have signed up to take part in the event and it is hoped more than £1m will be raised to fund research into cancer.
Claire and Karen will join thousands of others in a procession of light, passing landmarks such as Old Trafford, Manchester Town Hall and Cancer Research UK’s Paterson Institute in Withington.
The course starts at Manchester Central and participants can walk a 13 or 26-mile course around the city.
Volunteeers are still needed for the event. Cancer Research UK event manager Jayne Leggat said: “Without a team of volunteers, the event simply couldn’t happen.Š
“Everyone is welcome to volunteer.”
To support Claire and Karen, go to www.sponsormetoshineclairedoolan.org and to volunteer, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/shine.
