A FRIEND of Melksham woman Michelle Phillips who died in a car accident in 2004, will be running the London Marathon this year in her memory.
Andy Petty, who grew up in Melksham, will be lacing up his trainers to run the London Marathon on 23rd April to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and in memory of Michelle.
Andy said, “After six years of trying to get a place to run in the London Marathon, I’ve finally succeeded! Michelle’s family have been fundraising for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance for many years and have raised an incredible amount of money, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to raise money for the charity and add to the total. I got in touch with Michelle’s parents, John and Sue, and they were delighted.
“The training is going well. I have run a few half marathons before and various off road running events but I don’t think you can be completely prepared for the 26 miles!”
Andy was with Michelle and a group of friends in Devon on holiday when she died. Michelle was learning to surf and managed to ride her first wave just an hour before she died.
Andy continued, “Michelle would be happy that so much money has been raised for a good cause, especially the ways it has been raised. She was so adventurous and very active, so she would be happy that people have been having fun whilst fundraising. She would be so proud of her family as well.
“We won’t ever forget that day, but her family have carried on her name with the amazing fundraising. Michelle will never be forgotten by anyone who knew her.
“It would be great if people could give what ever they could afford. It’s not about me trying to get to the finish line, it’s about raising as much money for a charity which is so important, and of course to remember Michelle as well.”
You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andy-Petty-VLM2017