South Holland family outing is London Marathon run
A family outing with a difference will see two couples raising money for charities in April's London Marathon.
Seasoned fundraiser and marathon runner Sharon Brooks (50) is taking on her fifth London event for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Cancer survivor Sharon will be joined for the first time this year by her husband Ray, also, raising money for JDRF, and her firefighter brother, Sean Compton, a watch manager at Spalding Fire Station, who will raise money for the blood cancer charity, Bloodwise.
Joining them will be Sean's wife, Louise, on her second London Marathon for JDRF.
The JDRF fundraising was inspired by Sharon's niece, Faith Robinson (10), who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was two years old.
Sharon says £3,000 was raised from a December 21 Christmas party at the South Holland Centre to be split between the blood cancer charities, Bloodwise and Anthony Nolan, and has thanked everyone who supported the event.
She said: "Bloodwise is a charity that is very close to our hearts as our dad, Adrian Chamberlain, and our cousin, Brett Harman, and several of my close friends have been treated or are currently affected by various blood cancers."
Sean is determined to raise as much money as he can for Bloodwise and has begun training, running three-four miles a day with longer runs at the weekends.
"It's going well," he said. "It's going really well."
He is approaching the event with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.
Sean said: "There is obviously a lot to live up to. Sharon has her fifth London marathon for JDRF and my wife, Louise, ran it last year - having been to watch them run, it does make you feel like you want to run too, and it's really inspiring."
* Tickets for a Valentine's Day dinner dance at the South Holland Centre in aid of JDRF cost £40 and are available from Sharon on 07584 162600.
Some 200 guests enjoyed the Christmas party.
Sharon said: "We were very grateful to be sponsored by Harkenn Recycling, DeMap Crane & Plant Solutions LTD, Spalding Dental Surgery, Rush Hour Escape Rooms and Weston Farm Supplies - they all sponsored tables and supplied raffle prizes.
"Also huge thanks to Neame Lea Nurseries who very kindly donated the table centre decorations.
"We would like to thank everyone who attended the event….it was absolutely fantastic and a great night was had by all.
"To raise so much money for these amazing charities totally exceeded my expectations and the support from all was superb!"
Sponsor Ray by clicking here
Sponsor Louise by clicking here
Sponsor Sharon by clicking here
Sponsor Sean by clicking here
Previously ...
Marathon mum hits the fundraising trail
Charities are winners in Pinchbeck footy fundraiser
