Two Tamworth accountants are bracing themselves for a 26.2-mile race to the finish line in aid of a local cancer support group as they tackle their first ever London Marathon.
Jonathan Ashford and Steph Green, Directors of Ashford Green Chartered Accountants in Wilnecote, will take part in the 2021 London Marathon on Sunday 3rd October, and are raising funds for Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre along the way.
The charity was established seven years ago to support those affected by cancer and other chronic illnesses, providing support, information and therapies in an aim to bridge the gap between clinical and home environments, and Ashford Green wanted to help raise funds for the centre at a time where many charities have taken a financial hit as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Jonathan said: “This is a pretty big leap out of our comfort zones. While we’ve taken part in various charity fun runs in recent years, we’ve never put ourselves forward for a challenge of this scale. Like many, during the pandemic we found ourselves exercising more outdoors and having spent the past few months dodging injuries and improving our fitness levels, we thought we’d take the plunge and put ourselves forward for the London Marathon.
“If it wasn’t for the fact that the event will be operated remotely this year, we might never have been accepted, but we were, and we’ll be joining 50,000 other virtual runners to complete a 26.2-mile course, albeit not through the streets of London, but around the roads of Tamworth and Staffordshire in just a few weeks’ time.
If it wasn’t for the fact that the event will include 50,000 virtual entrants again this year, we may never have been accepted, but we were, and we’ll be lacing up our trainers to complete a 26.2-mile course, albeit not through the streets of London, but around the roads of Tamworth and Staffordshire this weekend.
“In pushing ourselves to go the extra 26 miles, we wanted to raise some vital funds for a really important cause close to both of our hearts. As with so many other worthwhile charities, the Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer Support Centre hasn’t had as much opportunity to raise awareness and funds during the pandemic, but we’re hoping that those supporting our efforts will see fit to making a donation to this fantastic organisation, which offers free support and therapies to not only people with cancer, but their families, friends and carers too,” he added.
Paula Da Silver, Manager for the Centre, said: “We are delighted to be the chosen charity for Stephanie and Jonathan’s marathon. They are doing incredibly well with the fundraising side of things and seem to have fantastic support.
“Aside from the money, which is always very welcome, having somebody new raise awareness for our charity is vital to us, so we couldn’t be happier. We hope they get around safely and enjoy every second. Good luck guys!”
Anyone able to support the dynamic duo is asked to do so by making a donation at justgiving.com/fundraising/ashford-green-2021.
