COOKHAM RUNNING CLUB MARATHON FUNDRAISING FOR LOCAL SCHOOLKIDS

When Cookham mums Sarah Parfitt and Rachel Harding attempt their respective marathons in the next few weeks, they will be fundraising for Holy Trinity C of E School and Cookham Nursery. They are urging local companies to come forward and donate goods and services.

Walker Books has agreed to donate a book for each of the 52.4 miles the two women run, and the TTS-group, which provides educational items to schools, will be matching that by donating some balls. Victoria Philpott, a spokesperson from Walker Books, said she thought running a marathon in support of literacy was 'a brilliant idea, and added that her company supported any initiative which encouraged children to read, and to foster a love of reading from an early age.

'I am always so impressed with people who have the enthusiasm, dedication and willpower to put in the time and effort to train for marathons, especially people who fit it around having kids! I wish my mum had done something like this when I was little,' she said.

Sarah Parfitt won her London Marathon place in the ballot at the Cookham Running Club Christmas party. Although this will be her 13th marathon, she has been following a 12-week programme. She says: 'Fitting the training in with my work and family commitments has meant quite a few 5.30am starts, but I am used to that as a mother. I have really loved doing my long training runs with Rachel and other friends, and the track sessions with Paddy McGrath at Braywick on a Thursday night. The support we have received from the Cookham Running Club has been nothing short of amazing.'

Milton Keynes (5th May) will be Rachel's first ever marathon, having been a keen runner for five years, as she wanted to give herself a huge personal challenge. She says: 'I wanted to see whether I could actually do it and to see what running 26.2 miles feels like. I now know that it’s going to be painful but I know I will get around, and am looking forward to crossing the finish line.'

For sponsorship enquiries, please email or phone Sarah Parfitt on sarah_parfitt@mail.com or 07900 4117 15.