A CHARITY worker from St Austell will be running the London Marathon on Sunday in aid of families with children who have disabilities.
Bernadette Chambers, 40, will be pounding the streets of the capital for Contact, the national charity she works for.
Bernadette said: “When I heard there was an opportunity to run the London Marathon, I was keen to find out more but wasn’t sure whether I'd actually be able to do it!
“However, now seems the perfect time to challenge myself and to not only fulfil a personal accomplishment but to do something to support a wonderful charity.
“The London Marathon’s aim is to create an opportunity for participants ‘to have fun and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’. This really resonates with me.
“I enjoy running but it’s fair to say I’m not a natural runner. I have previously run a couple of half-marathons but the thought of doubling that distance is daunting!
“I want to show my boys that if you set your mind to something, with determination and focus, you can achieve it!
“I am so proud to be raising money for Contact, the charity that I work for. I keep motivated with my training knowing that each step is helping to support families of disabled children. As an added bonus, fundraising has also provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the charity among my family and friends, some of whom have since benefitted from Contact's services. So, I will embrace the experience, step out of my comfort zone, wear my Contact vest with pride and enjoy it as much as I can!”
Kaya Korablina, from Contact, said: “Running 26 miles is a monumental challenge and we're incredibly proud and humbled by Bernadette and all our runners’ dedication, hard work, training and fundraising to support our work.
“It really does make a difference and helps us to continue to provide vital support to families with disabled children. That’s why we will be there on the day cheering and congratulating their efforts.”
To support Bernadette’s fundraising efforts visit 2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/bernadette-chambers