Littleborough fundraiser to run London Marathon

Gale Whittick, running the London Marathon in April 2010

Littleborough resident, Gale Whittick, is training for the  London Marathon on Sunday 25 April to raise money for Action Medical Research.

Gale said: "The reason I started raising money for this organisation was that both of my children spent time in hospital when they were younger, and my youngest child has a hearing impairment. So I know how much this charity needs every penny raised to help others so they don’t suffer.

"I have been preparing since the end of September 2009. The training over the dark, freezing winter months has been hard, especially in the snow! I’ve trained some of the time with my friend Gwen and I’ve been motivated by the charity, who need the money, my children, friends and family. Over the weeks the training has become very hard, training 3 or 4 times a week. I have had a knee injury due to the pounding on my legs and gained the odd blister.

"I have also taken part in organised runs, including a half-marathon back in February in Catforth in Preston. My training runs over the last couple of weeks, have got more intense, on Saturday 27 March, I ran 20 miles, from Littleborough to Cornholme, Todmorden and back, which I’m absolutely chuffed with, it took me 2hrs 46mins."

Action Medical Research has been instrumental in some of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history, beginning with the UK Polio vaccine in the 1960s that has protected millions of children from this disease. Children have always been at heart of what they do and the money will be used for giving more babies a better start in life and stopping suffering in children. By tackling life-threatening pregnancy complications, finding ways to reduce premature birth and improving care for sick babies. Finding ways to protect children from deadly infections and improving quality life for children with disabilities.

With under 3 weeks to the big day, Gale has also raised money with a chocolate tombola and raffle stalls at Wardle High School. She is also planning on doing car boot sales to help reach my target amount. Gale is running the marathon with a teacher, from Wardle High School, Miss Diggle who is also running for Action Medical Research. She has raised approximately £780.00 so far.

Gale said: "My target amount is £1700, so I’m appealing to anyone if they feel they could donate any amount no matter how big or small, it would be much appreciated.

"My two children will be supporting me on the day, cheering me along, as they have done the last 7 months whilst training they both are so proud of me. I’ll be wearing a white vest with light blue dots on, also my name GALE in black across the front."

To sponsor Gale follow this link: https://www.action.org.uk/sponsor/284840/sponsor/312272/1