Sisters raise almost £4,000 with first marathon in York in memory of Celia Couling from West Pinchbeck

Three sisters are delighted to have completed their first marathon, raising almost £4,000 for charity in memory of their beloved aunt who passed away earlier this year.

Zara (27), Yasmin (24), and Helen Peach (21) ran the York Marathon on October 16, in memory of Celia Couling, nee Saxton (46), who died in January after suffering a heart attack at her West Pinchbeck home.

Zara, who finished the course in 4 hours 47 minutes, said the day was an incredibly emotional one as they remembered Celia, a business analyst at Gist, who leaves behind husband Ivan and son Sampson (12). She added that they were delighted to have raised £3,800 for the British Heart Foundation in her honour.

“My legs were very stiff for a couple of days after, but we were all so pleased to complete the course,” said Zara, who lives in Stamford.

“We set off together but by the time we’d got to 5k, I looked back, and Yasmin and Helen weren’t there. The course did double back on itself in places, and I did spot them again and because I crossed the line a little ahead of them I was able to cheer them over the finish line.”

With Yasmin living in Yorkshire and Helen based in West Pinchbeck the trio had little opportunity to train together, although Zara and Yasmin did run the Great North Run together last month.

“It was tough in places – the first 17 miles were alright, but it was hard work after that and I did walk a little,” Zara added. “I didn’t run the week before as I’d had some pains in my left leg, so I’d rested it, but it felt OK.

“The atmosphere was great – and very emotional. We had lots of support from family and friends, including Ivan, Sampson, our grandma and Celia’s sister and her husband who were dotted about the course, which was lovely.

“I can’t believe how much we’ve raised; it’s an amazing total and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported us.”

Donations can still be made to the sister’s fundraising page which can be found at: justgiving.com/fundraising/z-peach

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