Keen runner taking marathon strides to raise cash for Motor Neurone disease (From Dorset Echo)

Keen runner taking marathon strides to raise cash for Motor Neurone disease

2:00pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News

KEEN runner Karen Willmington is stepping out for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in the London Marathon.

She will be tackling the event for the second time but has also completed races in Dublin, Kielder, Taunton and the New Forest.

Karen, who lives in Godmanstone, is running for the West Dorset branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity.

She said: “I am sure most people know someone who has had or is suffering from this disease.

“They need all the help that is provided, with physical and psychological support with aids to help them overcome disabilities at such a terrible time in their lives.

“It affects people of all ages although it is more prevalent in later years.

“I would like to think that we could help in some way, so the more sponsorship money I raise the better.”

Karen ran the London Marathon in 2008 in memory of her sister, who had pancreatic cancer, and raised £8,000 for Cancer Research.

She said: “It was such a lovely one to run, the support the whole way was just amazing I shall never forget that day.”

Karen has also run the Dublin, Kielder, Taunton and the New Forest Marathons.

She recently ran the Blackmore Vale half-marathon.

Karen also cycled from London to Paris last year to raise money for Cash for Kids for children in the south of England who are under-privileged.

She said that she has been running in the Dorset countryside to train for the marathon.

She said: “Being in Dorset is just wonderful.

“I train mainly through villages as the roads are quieter and very pretty.

“There are always good hills to tackle on every run which is very good for fitness.

“Very often I run in the Purbeck area.

“It’s good to find different runs.”

Karen’s son Nathan also gives her sports massages to keep her legs in working order.

She added: “If anyone would like to sponsor me, that would be great.”

Visit Justgiving.com/Karen Will-mingtonor call her on 0790 9548897. Contact the Dorset Echo newsdesk on 01305 830999 or email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk if you will be running in the London Marathon.

Nigel taking part for special cause

FUNDRAISER Nigel Arthur is stepping out for the South West Dorset Talking Newspaper in this year’s London Marathon – for his 63rd race.

He decided to help the charity for people who are blind and visually impaired after nearly losing the sight in one eye.

Now he will be tackling the London event for the South West Dorset Talking Newspapers (SWDTN).

Nigel, pictured, said: “I have run over 60 marathons and, at the age of 61, am still an active participant.

“I was lucky enough to be chosen for the London Mar-athon 2013 and this will be my 63rd race.

“I have a personal reason for helping South West Dorset Talking Newspaper.

“Following an accident at work, I almost lost vision in one eye.

“I was relieved to find out that, after an operation, my sight returned, but I have never forgotten that I had the threat of blindness hanging over me.

“I appreciate the lifeline that SWDTN can provide for people with a visual impairment, keeping them in touch with local news and events.”

The South West Dorset Talking Newspaper provides a weekly news and magazine service to the visually impaired.

Much of its news is read from the Dorset Echo.

The Virgin-sponsored London Marathon is being held on April 21.

Visit Nigel’s Just Giving page to sponsor him at Justgiving.com/Nigel-Arthur Contact the Dorset Echo on 01305 830999 and news desk@dorsetecho.co.uk if you are running the London Marathon.