Pair are in training for London Marathon

Primary school teacher Rachael Stevens (right) and teaching assistant Linda Foy of St John's School are preparing to run the London Marathon and raise money for Whizz Kidz charity

Rachael Stevens, a teacher at St John’s C of E Primary, is raising money for the Whizz Kidz charity when she runs the 26-mile route in April.

For Rachael it will be the first marathon she has ever run, but she won’t be alone.

Alongside her will be her teaching assistant Linda Foy, who has run the marathon three times before.

Rachael said: “On the back of the Olympics and the Paralympics we wanted to do something to raise money for a local child to become more independent and improve their quality of life, so they can participate in everyday activities and sports.”

“Whizz Kidz help to provide disabled children with personally adapted wheelchairs, trikes, walking frames and other mobility aids and we’re hoping to raise as much money as we can for a local child or children.”

Staff and pupils at St John’s have got behind the pair, collecting sponsors and coming up with fundraising ideas. A school disco, non-uniform day and Whizz Kidz Wednesdays are all in the pipeline.

Last week Kay Aslett, from Whizz Kidz, came into school to talk to pupils about the charity.

The school is also collecting old clothes which are been recycled by Cash For Clothes, on Gateford Road. Anybody wanting to donate old clothes can drop them in and help the Whizz Kidz cause.

Rachael added: “Family and friends have also been great at drumming up support and with their own sponsorships with my furthest sponsorship coming from the Scottish Highlands.”

Support has also come from the Slimming World group at Carlton Parish hall and John Plant’s in Langold.

Linda’s son-in-law, who is in the Army, will also be rattling his collection can when he returns from Afghanistan.

Rachel said: If any other shops feel they could display a charity collection can for us, we would be grateful and we are contactable at St John’s. If any supermarkets would be willing to have some of our children do a day’s bag packing we would love to hear from them too.”

“Anyone else who would like to make a donation to us can do on our Just Giving websites - www.justgiving.com/Rachael-Stevens and www.justgiving.com/LindaFoy.”