Keen runners and close friends Claire Beney from Plymstock and Karen Trim from Tamerton Foliot are putting their best feet first and will both be running the London Marathon together in April to raise money for charities very close to their heart.
Claire who is 42, has always loved running but has recently found it more of an uphill struggle to keep herself motivated, because of some health challenges. But she is determined that she will be running the london marathon and supporting the Roy Castle Lung Cancer charity, after her father sadly passed away from the disease six years ago.
Claire said:
“The charity helped my dad and our family, after the terminal diagnosis was made. They provided all the resources and information needed to help us make a decision about treatment. I want to run on their behalf to raise awareness of the fact that this illness can happen to anyone regardless of whether they are a smoker or non smoker (like my Dad) and how important having a regular lung check is.”
Claire has taken part in the London Marathon once before in 2018. Sadly, her father passed away while she was training for the event.
Claire is running with one of her closest friends Karen Trim, who is 51. Karen will be taking part in her first London marathon having taken up running over the past few years.
Karen, who is running for the NSPCC, helping to raise funds for services which protect and keep children safe, said:
“26.2 miles will be a tough challenge but I am looking forward to being in London and soaking up the atmosphere and making a difference for the NSPCC. Claire and I met over 20 years ago working for Social Services so I know first hand the important work the NSPCC do.”
To help in their fundraising efforts, the duo have arranged a glamorous black tie fundraising event at Boringdon Golf Club on Saturday March 16.
Plymouth’s own singer/songwriter, fresh from his appearance on The Voice, Shane Brierley, will be taking centre stage during the evening to entertain and get the party started. Also on the night, one of Claire’s work colleagues will be part of the entertainment line up in Cornwall’s based band, The Claze.
Claire added:
“We really do hope people can support us in donating something or attending our gala event. We’ve had a great response to our fundraising efforts so far, but are hoping to raise a combined total of £4700 to donate to two organisations who really can make a difference.”
Tickets for the night cost £45 and include a three-course meal and the chance to win lots of raffle prizes such as family ticket to see Plymouth Argyle at home, beauty treatments, family days out and gym memberships. For further details visit www.wellbeingplymouth.co.uk/gala
To support Claire’s fundraising visit
www.2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/claire-beney
or Karen’s page at www.justgiving.com/page/bird
