LEIGHTON ladies are leading the way ahead of next months MK half marathon, with several strapping on their sneakers to raise vital funds for the NSPCC.
The 13.1 mile race takes place on Sunday July 8 and organisers are urging all athletes to step forward and help smash last year’s fundraising total.
Over the last 13 years, the event has raised over £410,000 for the NSPCC, and the charity is hoping go one better than the £52,000 total from 2011.
One woman up to the task is Vandyke Road resident Helen Crossland, who will swap her day job as a Business Analyst at Mercedes Benz to go full throttle for the finish line.
The 40-year-old has been training hard and thinks helping to protect vulnerable young children should be a top priority where you’re a parent or not.
“It’s great to be playing an active role in helping to support the work of the NSPCC,” she said.
“I know race day will be a brilliant atmosphere, with the challenge of the run, and knowing my sponsorship is going towards NSPCC services, whilst raising awareness for children who need protecting.”
Meanwhile, airline officer Amanda Hodges can’t wait for take off and is looking forward to some warmer weather after last year’s chilling experience.
The Griffin Fields resident, 34, said: “I took part in the MK half marathon in March this year, and apart from the snow, it was a brilliant day.
“I’m really looking forward to running at another local event and helping to raise awareness of the important work of the charity.”
This year, the route starts from Webber Independent School and follows the new cities network of redways, making it a perfect race for both first time and more experienced runners.
The NSPCC is being supported by Dawsongroup and the Team Challenge sponsors - Woodfines Solicitors, as well as other local companies and many volunteers who make this great event happen.
Pledgin her support to the Leighton runners, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager Sally Phipps said: “We simply wouldn’t be able to continue our work helping those children who are victims of emotional and physical abuse, without the support of people such as Helen Crossland and Amanda Phillips Hodges.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Helen and Amanda for dedicating their time to fundraise for the NSPCC and wish them all our luck with their training and the all important half marathon day.”
Entry fees are from £20 - £25 and all participants will be sent a race pack containing race number, timing chip, baggage tag, and sponsorship form.
This year the event has newly designed event T-shirts for participants to purchase, and bottled water at water stations available for all runners.
To apply online or download an entry form, please visit, www.nspcc.org.uk/miltonkeyneshalfmarathon. For further information, email: mkhalfmara@nspcc.org.uk or telephone 01908 328060.