Running marathon in memory of his sister

FORMER George Ward pupil Jason Cooper will be running the Chippenham Half Marathon this year to raise money for Dorothy House.

Jason will be running the marathon in memory of his sister Mandy Cleverly, who died of cancer eight years ago. Jason said, “I would like to raise money for Dorothy House because they supported not only Mandy, but her whole family, during her illness.”

Her husband Mark Cleverly, who has also raised money for Dorothy House, and two children Daniel and Laura, still live in Melksham.

Jason, who is a keen runner said, “I run regularly and competed in this year’s London Marathon which was my ninth full marathon, but I have completed nearly 50 half marathons. The year after Mandy died, I ran the Bath Half and raised over £1,500 for Dorothy House.

“But this year I chose to run Chippenham Half Marathon because it is being sponsored by Dorothy House and I would like to remember Mandy in what would have been her 50th year. Mandy had lots of friends in Melksham. She worked in Boots, Lloyds chemist and The Portman Building Society, so the local community are supportive.”

Looking ahead to the race, Jason says, “I’m confident that I will complete the race and I’m hoping I can beat my PB (personal best) time and run it in under 1:30. If I could, it would be really special for me.”

You can sponsor Jason by visiting his fundraising page: http://UK.virginmoneygiving.com/jasoncooper4