On the run for charity

CHLOE Russell's boyfriend James Cowan, who had Type 1 diabetes, died of severe hypoglycaemia in March last year.

On Sunday, Chloe, 26, an officer from 23 Pioneer Regiment based at St David's Barracks in Ambrosden, Bicester, is hoping to raise at least £2,000 for Diabetes UK.

She said: "James and I had been planning to do the London Marathon before he passed away so I am doing it now in memory of him.

"I am raising money for Diabetes UK because it is important that as much research as possible is done for diabetes so we can find better treatments and possibly even a cure."

Jason Brown, of Helmdon near Bicester, is running for children's charity Whizz-Kidz.

The salesman is swapping designer shoes for running trainers and was inspired to tackle the challenge after his grandfather Keith Umney died of cancer two years ago.

He said: "Originally I wanted to run it for a prostate cancer charity, but they had no places. Then I heard about Whizz-Kidz.

"Something that hurts you for a few hours a day can help other people so much."

Primary School teacher Steven Roberts, 29, who teaches at Bicester's King's Meadow School, is running his first marathon this weekend.

Mr Roberts is also running for Whizz-Kidz and hopes to complete the course in under five hours.

He said: "The money I raise will go towards providing children with customised mobility equipment, wheelchair training, advice and life skills."

Sophie Varney hopes to raise £1,600 for Barnardos.

Ms Varney, of Marshall Road in Banbury, said: "The money I raise could make a huge difference towards a child's life.

"I chose this charity as I didn't have a very good childhood myself and I think it is important to raise as much money as I can for them."

Mother-of-two Elaine Pontefract, of New Street, Bicester, is running her second marathon.

The 45-year-old, who has two children, Lee, 25, and Kim, 23, and three grandchildren, Chloe, five, Ben, two and Jasmine, one, is running to raise money for Bardwell School.

Gill Begnor might have to overcome temptation during the event as she races to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

She will be carrying a pint of beer - brewed at Hook Norton Brewery - and the lure of the specially-brewed Marathon Ale could prove too much.

Gill, who lives in Hook Norton became a supporter of Leukaemia Research through the influence of Hook Norton Brewery's managing director James Clarke, whose sister Victoria died of leukaemia in 1986.

The death inspired the Clarke family and Hook Norton villagers to support the charity, and in 20 years they have raised more than £190,000.

Simon Bentley watched with admiration when his wife Nicky ran the London Marathon four years ago.

Now he's determined to do it as well - just a week after his 59th birthday - running in a family trio with her and his sister-in-law in aid of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation.

Scott Hooper, who works at King Alfred's Sports and Community College in Wantage, is hoping to raise £1,400 for Action for Blind People.

Mr Hooper said: "I used to work for the organisation as a sports coach and coordinator.

"I have a passion for working with young people and believe blind and visually impaired children should be given the chance to get involved with sport and improve their health and self confidence."

Ten members of Eynsham Roadrunners will be taking part in the Marathon.

They include 62-year-old Kate Williams who came in third in the Women's veterans 60 category in the 2006 Marathon - and is hoping for further success this year.

Eynsham accountant Jan Kavanagh is running her seventh marathon, while it will be the first for Jenny Breaker, 23, following in her mother, father and brother's footsteps.

Also there will be Tony Whitlock who said: "Some of us have done a good number of marathons over the years, but this is a good turnout."

All the Roadrunners are being sponsored for their chosen charities, which include St John Ambulance, Help for Heroes (soldiers in Afghanistan) and Yarnton Playgroup.