Joanne takes on marathon for kids charity

Joanne Wood- proprietor of Water’s Edge Nursery Ltd in Elland – is training hard for the April 24 event, often running at 6.30am before taking her own children to school then putting in a hard day at work.

She is hoping to raise at least £2,000 for the Get Kids Going charity, which gives disabled young people the opportunity to play sport at all levels.

Joanne’s brother Mark and personal trainer Lorraine will be running alongside her, and are aiming to raise a further £2,000 each for the cause.

Joanne said that working with children every day had inspired her to raise money for a young people’s charity:

“Working with children every day inspires me means a kids’ charity is the natural choice,” she said.

“There are so many amazing charities to choose from but this stood out as it not only provides disabled children with desperately needed equipment but gives them a life of their own and a fantastic chance to participate in sport.”

Joanne first started running two years ago, when she set herself the challenge of completing the Great North Run, on that occasion raising money for a children’s cancer charity. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to reach the point of being able to run 13.1 miles but was such an amazing day, and I ended up quite enjoying the training,” she said.

“The following year I did the run again with six of my best friends.

So I thought, where do I go from here? Then my good friend and personal trainer Lorraine turned 50 in January and it had always been her dream to run the London Marathon so when she asked me to join her, I jumped at the chance.”

She added: “I’m excited and apprehensive but the thought of my husband, Matthew, and our seven-year-old twins Isabelle and Emma being there to cheer me on will definitely spur me on to the finish line.”

To sponsor Joanne, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/joanne-wood-SAVMLMBONDS3332016-6065