A RUNNER from Melksham is preparing to tackle the 26 mile journey in aid of Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley.

Sandra Sharratt, 51, secured herself a golden bond place at the popular event and has already raised £2,360 for the hospice. One of 12 people running for the charity, Mrs Sharratt is taking part in memory of two friends who were cared for by Dorothy House, Jayne Watson who died on October 2016 and Wendy Keene who died over eight years ago.

“I am running the marathon in aid of the hospice because of the great medical and emotional care Dorothy House gave to my two friends, Jayne Watson and Wendy Keene, before they lost their battles with cancer,” Mrs Sharratt said.

Sandra started running three years ago when training for the Great North Run and has since joined the Avon Valley Runner. After watching the London Marathon for 30 years she’d always planned to sign up one day and finally decided to try for a place for Dorothy House.

“I don’t find running easy so 26.2 miles will be a massive challenge for me, thank you to all who have supported me in my training and fundraising efforts,” she added.

Emily Knight, events fundraiser at Dorothy House, said: “We are very proud of all our 12 London Marathon runners this year. Many of them like Sandra have raised a lot of money for the Hospice from fundraising activities.

“Sandra achieved her target by running a Christmas fair stall, holding ‘A Bit of a Do’ party in March and her Dorothy’s Tea Party in April which helped her exceed her target by nearly £400, what a brilliant achievement. Good luck to all Dorothy House runners for the 23rd April, we will be there cheering you on.”

To donate to Mrs Sharratt’s fundraising efforts visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/dottyladyrunning.