AFTER giving up smoking Louise Edwards from Salisbury needed to find a new habit and started walking and jogging – now she will be taking on her first London Marathon.

This will be the 40-year-old’s first marathon, but she has taken part in half marathons in Cardiff and Southampton already this year.

She will be raising money for Together or Short Lives after being lucky enough to be chosen to represent the charity at the marathon on Sunday, October 2.

Louise, who works at Centre Parcs Longleat as a leisure manager, explains what led her to taking on the challenge: “I gave up smoking just over two years ago. After smoking for 20 plus years I found I needed a new habit - I started with a walk/ jog of 1.5 miles and slowly increased this week on week. Six months after starting running I completed my first 10k event in Weymouth and then went on to do a further four events in 2021.

“I work at Center Parcs Longleat and we work with the charity, Together for Short Lives and every year they have London Marathon spaces available and I put my name forward, and was luck enough to be picked to represent the charity.

“I am in my 40th year and the thought of completing not only a marathon, but the London Marathon for a great cause is a huge goal and personal accomplishment."

Together for Short Lives support children and family with life limiting diseases and through her role at Centre Parcs Louise has been involved in various fundraising events to support the charity and even visited its hospice near Bristol.

“It was inspiring to see where the monies raised goes to support, and how much of a difference it makes for those families which are in the unfortunate position of requiring that support. When it gets tough on the marathon day, that visit will be at the forefront of my mind as a motivator for all my efforts,” added Louise.

In preparation for the challenge she has been following a 15-week training plan, which started at the end of May. She says the “biggest challenge” has been the increase to the long runs, week on week. On a 22 mile run, she took the train to Warminster and then ran the way back.

With the London Marathon less than a week away, Louise said: “My plan has made left me feeling confident that I can run the London Marathon and as a result I am getting very excited about the build-up and the day, I feel ready!

To sponsor Louise visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Louise-edwards-lf

 

  • Are you taking part in the London Marathon. Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk