Three sisters take on York Marathon in memory of West Pinchbeck's Celia Couling

Three sisters are taking on their first marathon in memory of their beloved aunt who passed away earlier this year.

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

The sisters decided they wanted to do something in honour of Celia, a business analyst at Gist, who leaves behind husband Ivan and son Sampson (12), and will be supporting the British Heart Foundation when they run the 26.2-mile course next month.

"It was such a massive shock when Celia died, it was so unexpected – she was such an active person and so healthy,’ says Zara, who lives in Stamford.

"I signed up to do the Great North Run to raise some money in her memory, but then my sisters got involved and said that we could do something more, so we all agreed to do the York Marathon.

"We’re not really runners, I might go out on a jog once a month but that’s about it, so it’s going to be a challenge!"

With Yasmin living in Yorkshire and Helen in West Pinchbeck the trio have had little opportunity to train together, although Zara and Yasmin ran the Great North Run together on September 11.

"It was half marathon distance and was actually OK,’ adds Zara. "We ran together the whole way, and it was only when I got in the car afterwards that I felt a bit faint, but I was soon alright after a drink and some food.

"There’s not long to go until the marathon now, but we’re not running to get a certain time, if we have to walk some of the course then that’s fine – we’re doing it to raise money for charity. We’re doing it for Celia."

She added that so far they’ve reached just over half of their £2,022 target but are keen to spread the word more widely about their fundraiser so they can raise as much as possible for the BHF.

• To make an online donation visit the sister’s fundraising page justgiving.com/fundraising/z-peach

School puts on family fun day for Celia and Teresa

A primary school is hosting a charity fun run and family day in memory of two wonderful women who both loved life but were sadly taken too soon.

West Pinchbeck Primary School has organised the St Barts Fun Run, on Sunday, October 2, to commemorate school PTA treasurer Celia Couling, who died in January, aged 46, after suffering a heart attack.

The event will also remember Teresa Walton (55), who died following a road traffic accident last October.

As well as a one-mile fun run, the event will include a barbecue, refreshments, bouncy castle and games and will raise money for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Breast Cancer Research.

Headteacher Sophie Ingle said: “When Celia passed away so suddenly, her death left a big hole here.

“The school and village community wanted to do something, to give something back.

“We know she would have been here, very involved in organising and setting things up.

“She had a great sense of fun and was always laughing and smiling.

“When we said we were doing something in her memory, Teresa’s nieces who are pupils here wanted to do something in her honour too.

“We thought a fun run would be a brilliant way to remember them both.”

The run is £2 per person to enter, and people can run or walk the one-mile course.

It is taking place in conjunction with Halmer Harriers West Pinchbeck 10K race, with fun runners setting off five minutes after the main road race.

“People can dress up if they like, we just want it to be a really family, fun filled day that we know Theresa and Celia would have loved,” Miss Ingle added.

Children taking part will receive a medal, designed by former pupil Toby Lee, which is tulip shaped and features designs reflecting village life.

Goodie bags for youngsters are also being provided by mortgage and
protection consultant Michelle
Clements, who has pledged to give ten per cent of any profits made during the event to the named charities.

• Anyone who wishes to enter should contact the school by email at office@stbartholomews.lincs.sch.uk