Thousands of people will take on the gruelling London Marathon this weekend and several runners from Burnham-On-Sea will race for charities close to their hearts.
Among those who are taking part in the 26-mile challenge on Sunday will be two members of Burnham-On-Sea Harriers running club, Kevin Clements and Sue Nicholls, plus Burnham runners Lesley Goulding, Lindsey Ripley and Michael Frost.
It will be an emotional run for Michael Frost, 35, pictured above, whose wife suffered three miscarriages, one of which was twins.
The couple turned to the Miscarriage Association for support and guidance during a difficult time – and now Michael is running for them this weekend.
He said: “I wanted to raise the profile of the charity and create a dialogue especially among men as it is not spoken about.”
“It can be difficult for men to deal with all the issues and emotions arising from a miscarriage.”
Michael says he feels “nervous excitement” to run “the biggest, most famous marathon there is.”
He has already completed a number of half marathons but hopes, after losing two stone, to finish the 26.2-mile course in four or four-and-a-half hours. To donate, click here.
Pictured: Burnham’s Lesley Goulding, Lindsey Ripley and Katrina Prior with running coach Simon Prior
Lesley Goulding and Lindsey Ripley are training with Burnham-On-Sea’s River Brue Runners Club, having secured spots for this Sunday’s event.
They have each chosen a charity close to their hearts and Lindsey is raising funds for Children with Cancer UK, which helps young sufferers.
Lesley is running for both Getting Kids Going (which provides sport and mobility equipment for disabled children and young adults), and DRUEL (Doberman Rescue UK).
Burnham’s River Brue Running Club coach Simon Prior, pictured with them, said they have been training hard for the big day.
Burnham runner Katrina Prior, also pictured above, had hoped to take part but has suffered a foot injury and pulled out until next year.
Lindsey said: “Children With Cancer UK do the most marvellous work supporting families at the most difficult of times. I was so touched when I heard about their work.”
“Cancer is the UK’s biggest child killer and ‘Children with Cancer UK’ is the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. The charity aims to determine the causes, find cures and provide care for children with cancer, improving young lives.” Lindsey’s fundraising page is here.
Pictured: Sue Nicolls will be competing in Sunday’s London Marathon
