Firefighter Milly Derbyshire, who is running in the Flora London Marathon on 13 April to raise money for Iain Rennie Hospice At Home. Click here if you would like to support her.
31 March 2008
A firefighter is getting set to undertake one of the biggest running challenges in the country, and she’s doing it all for charity.
Milly Derbyshire, from Red Watch, Aylesbury Fire Station, is planning to run the 26-mile Flora London Marathon 2008 on 13 April, to raise money for Iain Rennie Hospice At Home.
She said: “I have been bitten by the running bug in the last couple of years, running several half marathons including the 2007 Great North Run, but this year I decided to step the challenge up a distance, and the London Marathon will be my biggest challenge yet.”
The 26-year-old has been in training for this event since December last year, gradually building up the distance. She has one last long run of 21 miles planned for this week, before a two-week taper down to the big day itself. She is on track to complete the full run in her target time of four hours or less!
“I’ve enjoyed the training, and although running such a distance now takes up a lot of time I am looking forward to the day as I’m feeling really good,” added Milly.
“So far my training proves to be on the money for the four-hour target, and I’m ready for any weather, as the last couple of months have enabled me to train through most eventualities!”
Milly joined Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service four and a half years ago, spending three years at Beaconsfield Fire Station before transferring to her home town station in Aylesbury.
“I raised money for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home last year, as it is local to me and my mum has been connected to the charity in a fundraising capacity for a while,” said Milly. “I thought I’d do my bit too and show my support by doing something daft like running a long way!”
The charity relies heavily on donations to fund its team of nurses who look after terminally ill patients to allow them to spend their last months at home with their loved ones, and has supported Milly and the rest of their marathon team through their training. All the runners taking part for the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home will be spotted wearing the charities orange tops.
Milly has already secured more than £300 towards her £1,000 target through online donations to her Justgiving website (www.justgiving.com/amelias-marathon) and another £220 through other donations.
“Any donations people are generous enough to give in the form of sponsorship will help me through the tough bits of my marathon,” added Milly.
“All donations are secure and sent electronically to Iain Rennie Hospice At Home, and if you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving will add an automatic 28 per cent bonus to your donation at no cost to you. Please join me in supporting a fabulous cause!”