AN auntie and niece duo are getting ready to lace up their trainers to take on the London Marathon.
Jacqui Kettle, from Ramsey, is taking on the iconic 26.2-mile run around the capital on Sunday in memory of her dad who she lost to blood cancer two years ago.
Her niece Rebecca Buckles, from Dovercourt, is taking on the challenge in memory of her dad.
They have both entered the competitive London Marathon ballot for eight years without success, but this year were offered places to run for Anthony Nolan and the Spinal Injuries Association respectively.
Jacqui, 66, says running a marathon has been on her bucket list for years but admits she never thought she’d get a place to run one of the most well-known road races in the world.
“I was quite tearful when Anthony Nolan offered me a place,” she said.
“I won’t ever forget the journey to get there and I’ll never forget the reason why I am doing this – for all the ones that are not with us now but also for all the ones we can still offer hope to.”
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She chose to support Anthony Nolan in her dad’s memory because of the work the charity does to save the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.
During their training, which started as soon as they accepted their places in June last year, Jacqui and Rebecca have taken on half marathons in Colchester and Great Bentley.
They’ve put the fun into fundraising too, organising car boot sales, a clairvoyant night, quiz nights, and raffles.
Rebecca wanted to raise money for the Spinal Injuries Association after seeing how valuable rehabilitation was for her dad and uncle, who both suffered spinal cord injuries.
The 43-year-old started running eight years ago and takes on races like the Ipswich Half Marathon and Colchester 10k every year.
But she admits training for a marathon has been physically and emotionally challenging.
“I’ve been having to get up at 4.30am to complete the long runs before I start work but my aunt and I have spurred each other on throughout and kept each other’s spirits high,” she said.
To support Jacqui’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/jacqui-kettle, and to support Rebecca, visit justgiving.com/rebecca-buckles1.
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