Just raring to run 26 miles
two novice marathon runners are getting on their marks to raise thou-sands of pounds for causes close to their hearts.Jo Woolnough and her friend Michelle Ford are in training ahead of tackling their debuts at the 26.
two novice marathon runners are getting on their marks to raise thou-sands of pounds for causes close to their hearts.
Jo Woolnough and her friend Michelle Ford are in training ahead of tackling their debuts at the 26.2-mile distance as they aim to complete the London Marathon in April.
Jo has decided to raise money for worthy causes almost three years after her much-loved younger sister died as she made her way to school.
Six-year-old Samantha 'Mantha' Castledine was on her way to Gunton Primary School in March 2007 when she was involved in a collision with a lorry at the crossing on the A12 Yarmouth Road.
Her death prompted a major community camp-aign backed by her family, The Journal and Waveney MP Bob Blizzard to bring about safety improvements at the scene.
Jo and Michelle will run on April 25 in the little girl's memory.
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The pair spent an evening at the East Anglian air ambulance HQ at Norwich airport to raise the profile of their efforts.
Michelle will run in aid of the air ambulance, while Jo runs for the charity, Children with Leukaemia.
Sponsorship forms are available for locals who would like to back the women.
These can be filled in at the dental surgery in Regent Road and at The Blue Lighthouse Brasserie in East Street, Southwold - which will also be the setting for a fundraising quiz soon.
'Michelle's daughter Bella was best friends with Mantha, and this is why she has chosen to take the air ambulance place to run in her memory,' Jo said.
'I really would like to raise as much money as possible for Children with Leukaemia and also the air ambulance, as they are solely charity-funded, yet they do an amazing job, and they attended the scene of the collision involving Mantha in
2007.'
To sponsor Mrs Woolnough visit www.bmycharity.com/JoWoolnough
Michelle has also set up an online sponsorship site, and to pledge your support visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MichelleFord
