Vanessa and Andy Rees raise money for Clic Sargent

Andy and Vanessa Rees after completing the London Marathon

Vanessa and Andy Rees are on a mission to raise £3,000 for Clic Sargent.

The couple, who are based in Wardle, recently completed the London Marathon as part of their fundraising efforts.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Vanessa said: “It was possibly the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and that is compared to having two children. After I had my little boy, I lost three stone and thought that seeing as I had lost the weight, it was time to get fit. My husband has always been a runner so I said I would do it with him.”

Vanessa and Andy are looking to raise money for Clic Sargent to help the charity support families of young children and people with cancer.

Andy’s son (Vanessa’s stepson), Evan was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2010 when he was eight years old. Evan was given the all clear but sadly, he was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

Vanessa said: “He has just started his chemotherapy so he is struggling a bit at the minute. It is his last day tomorrow [Friday] so hopefully he can rest a bit and feel a bit better before he has to start again.”

Vanessa and Andy decided to raise money for Clic Sargent after the help and support they provided to Evan’s mum.

“They have been really good with Evan’s mum in helping her be close to the hospital and supporting her with the diagnosis and things, so we wanted to help them because of the amazing work that they do. £1,000 can put a family in a home-from-home near a hospital for a month,” said Vanessa.

As well as completing the London Marathon, the couple held a race night and are holding a charity rugby league match at Littleborough Rugby Club followed by drinks and a BBQ at Littleborough Conservative Club on Saturday (2 May).

So far the couple have raised just over £1,000 but are hoping to raise their total of £3,000 within a few months.

Vanessa said: “We want to raise £3,000 so we will do as much as we can to get that in the next few months.”

To donate visit:

www.justgiving.com/andyvanessarees