Local man takes on first half marathon in 25 years
A local resident is running the Bath Half Marathon in March to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK – Bath & District Branch which covers the Westbury area.
Keith Melford, who resides in Leigh Park will take on the 13.1mile course on Sunday 1st March – his first attempt at the distance in 25 years!
He will celebrate his 68th birthday just a few weeks after the race and hopes to complete the half marathon in two hours and ten minutes.
Keith said, “This is the first time I have done any fundraising on my own but have taken part in branch activities such as supermarket bucket collections etc. I decided it was now time to put my money (or my legs) where my mouth is.
“I have been treasurer of the Bath & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK for nearly two years and support my wife who was diagnosed with the condition in 2012. Any funds raised will primarily be used for the benefit of people suffering from Parkinson’s and their carers in this area. Whenever possible however, the branch also contributes to national funds for both Parkinson’s nurses and research, as one day we hope to find a cure for this very debilitating illness.
“Training has been restricted over Christmas and New year due to a viral infection but I am out running again now and I have a target time of two hours and ten minutes, but will do my best to get under two hours.”
Keith is also a member of Westbury U3A, a member of the White Horse Lodge of Freemasons in Westbury and attends Holy Saviour Church in Westbury Leigh. He says, “I recommend all four organisations to anybody who is eligible to join.”
Local man answers charity plea for London Marathon runners
A WESTBURY man has responded to a request in the White Horse News from Chernobyl Children in Need and will now be taking on the London Marathon.
Paul Hickman saw the plea in the 1st January issue and immediately signed up to take on the gruelling 26.2 mile course and raise money for the Westbury-based charity.
He hopes to raise £5,000 for Chernobyl Children in Need in what will be his first ever marathon. Paul said, “When I saw the story in the White Horse News looking for people to take on the London Marathon I jumped at the chance as it is an opportunity to tick something off my bucket list. I called the charity immediately and fortunately I was able to get a place and now the hard work starts.
“I have never run a marathon before although I have run the half marathon in around one hour 45 minutes, so I am hoping to run the London Marathon in under four hours. I had an achilles injury last June which required an operation but I am now in training and will do the best I can.
“This is a chance for me to do something I have always wanted to do but also to raise money for a great local charity.”
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/Paul-Hickman3/
Westbury runner to take on Barcelona Marathon
A WESTBURY teenager is preparing to take on the Barcelona Marathon to raise money for the charity Worldwide Cancer Research.
Former Matravers pupil Bronte Cavalla, 18, who now studies at Bournemouth University will head to Barcelona for the event on Sunday 15th March. To compete in what this, her first marathon, she needs to raise a minimum of £1,100. So far, she has raised funds by hosting a cake sale and has other fundraising events lined up including other sales and a bag packing event at a supermarket.
Bronte said, “I had always had it in mind do volunteering at some point whilst at university, and when my friend and I heard about the marathon it seemed like the perfect opportunity to raise money for charity. We really loved the idea of raising money for Worldwide Cancer Research, knowing I’m going to be doing something towards the fight against cancer feels brilliant. Also, the fact it is in Barcelona made the thought of taking part even more exciting.
“This will be my first marathon although I have taken part in a few long distance activities but only at school. I’ve gone for runs in my spare time but nothing like this, it will be a challenge for me that I’m looking forward to achieving.
“Training is going well so far, being in Bournemouth is excellent scenery-wise as I get to run along the beach whilst training. I also still maintained training when back in Westbury over the Christmas break but not as regular, so getting back into a routine may be difficult. I still have just over two months before the marathon, and I am currently following a strict working programme. Needless to say I’m going to have to push myself.
“I think Worldwide Cancer Research is an amazing charity and the work the charity does across the globe is impressive; funding research projects all over the world. They need donations to carry out their research and work as they cannot support all research projects, so being able to give the charity support is a very special thing.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to anyone who takes a look at my page, every donation matters!”
To make a donation visit Bronte’s fundraising page www.justgiving.com/bronte -cavalla”
