‘Dotty’ Lady to take on London Marathon 2017

AFTER only taking up running two years ago, 51 year-old Melksham woman Sandra Sharratt has signed herself up for the London Marathon.

Having watched the Marathon from the comfort of her sofa at home for 30 years, Sandra bit the bullet and signed herself up for the 26 mile race which takes place on 23rd April.

Sandra said, “I started running in 2014 and that year ran the Great North Run in Newcastle for Cancer Research UK – a close relative was dying of cancer so I wanted to do something for them. It was absolutely horrendous and a huge challenge but I did it, so was very pleased.

“After that, I started running with Avon Valley Runners who have been brilliant in supporting me. I’m not an athlete, I just want to stay fit and healthy. I wish I started running years ago because I feel great now. I would encourage anyone who wants to start running to join the Avon Valley Runners. They hold a beginners run a few times a year and help you build up your distance running. They’ve been great and really helped me.

“I’ve been watching the London Marathon on TV for nearly 30 years and have regularly thought to myself, maybe one day I’ll enter and so when a close friend died of cancer in October, I thought it’s now or never! I contacted Dorothy House and told them I wanted to fundraise for them and they gave me one of their five places. I was over the moon.

“The training is going well although it’s still early days and I start the serious training in the new year. I’m signed up for the Bath Half Marathon and the Devizes Half Marathon as part of my training.

“I can’t tell you how much of a challenge for me, I can’t quite believe I’m doing it! My friends and family think I’m off my rocker but they are proud of me for signing up and tackling it. My fundraising campaign is called ‘Dotty Lady Running’ because of Dorothy House and because I’m completely mad!

“I’d love to raise £2,000 – that would be wonderful. Dorothy House is the local hospice which provides care and support for people in our community with life-limiting illnesses – they do an amazing job.  I’ll be holding an fundraising party on 11th February at the Liberal Club with live music and food. I’m yet to finalise the details but it would great if people could ‘save the date’ and come along to support.”

To sponsor Sandra, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com and search ‘Sandra Sharratt’