A 71-YEAR-OLD woman is completing her tenth marathon to raise funds for a children’s cancer charity after she read a story in the Worcester News.

Despite Marion Winwood already having nine marathons under her belt, she has taken on another challenge to run the London Marathon to raise money for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

Mrs Winwood, from Worcester, said: “I read in a recent Worcester News article the story about Grace Kelly and it melted my heart.

“It is so heart-breaking – you do not realise what other people are going through. This inspired me to raise money and awareness for this worthy cause.”

The 71-year-old added: “I’m not a runner, I’m a jogger. It is a lovely feeling achieving your fitness goals. Everyone at Happy Feet have been so supportive – we are all one happy family.”

Jennifer Kelly, founder of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust said: “The team at the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust are honoured to have Marion running for us in the London Marathon. We are very grateful for her support and wish her luck for the race.

“The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust receives no statutory funding and, as such, relies on the help of generous fundraisers such as Marion to enable us to continue our important work in fighting childhood cancer.”

Mrs Winwood started running in her late fifties as a way of improving her fitness. She completed her first marathon when she was 56 years old.

She joined the running group Happy Feet Fitness two years ago where her passion for running has grown.

Rhiannon Eling, co-founder of Happy Feet Fitness, has praised Mrs Winwood for her determination and described her as an asset to the running group.

Mrs Eling, aged 31, said: “Marion is amazing - she is a trooper and a massive motivation for all our runners. She always takes time to speak with all the members. She is friendly, supportive and a real asset to the group.”

Prior to talking to the Worcester News, Mrs Winwood had completed an 18-mile run around the city for her training.

Mrs Winwood said: “After 18 miles of running it starts to hurt a bit.

“Depending on how well I do at this one, there’s always a chance I’ll do another marathon.”

Mrs Winwood aims to complete the marathon in five and a half hours. Her training involves running four times a week and she is beginning pilates to improve her flexibility.

The London Marathon is set to take place on April 28, 2019.

For donations to the Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, visit Mrs Winwood’s fundraising page on: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=992676

For donations to the Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, visit Mrs Winwood's fundraising page.

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