Islanders preparing to run weekend’s London Marathon

One of them is GSPCA volunteer Jen Bradshaw, who is flying out this morning, [Friday]accompanied by her sister, and coming back on Monday afternoon.

‘I’m as ready as I am ever going to be,’ she said.

‘The nerves have kicked in.’

‘I know I’m not going to be running the whole 26 miles. I’m not a natural runner and I’m going to be walking parts of it, but I’ve accepted that.

‘But I’m a typical Guernsey donkey. I’m stubborn.’

Miss Bradshaw is raising funds for the GSPCA and was happy that she had already surpassed her £1,000 goal, and would welcome more contributions.

Orchard PR director Brooke Kenyon is also a director of Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre and will be raising money for them.

She is not running the London event for the first time, though.

‘I did it nine years ago,’ she said. ‘I applied and got a ballot place. I apply most years and didn’t expect to get it.’

At the start of her training she suffered a set-back when she broke a bone in her foot the week after getting her place, so after recovering she spent all winter preparing.

So far she has run 20 miles in one go: ‘You run out of island when you’re training for the London Marathon,’ she said.

Mrs Kenyon will be supported by her parents during the run and has been spending a few days with them in the UK ahead of travelling to London.

Three staff members of Ocorian in Guernsey are also going to be taking part, with their company fund-matching the money they raise.

Ken Wrigley, Xuong Truong and Tim Paluch are keen runners and Mr Wrigley and Mr Paluch have previously completed the Guernsey marathon, amongst other events.

Mr Truong will be taking part in his first marathon.

All three are fundraising for different good causes – Mr Wrigley for the National Deaf Children’s Society, Mr Truong for Barnardos and Mr Paluch for the Children’s Ward at St Francis Mission Hospital in Zambia, via the local charity Guernsey Aid.

‘It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait to experience the race day atmosphere in London,’ said Mr Paluch.

‘As well as the personal challenge, our motivation is fundraising for three great charities which seek to have a positive impact on many lives.

‘We’re grateful to everyone who has supported us so far and we’re fortunate that Ocorian has committed to fund match what we raise as well.’