It’s time to step up to the starting line
katy Walker, 25, from Attleborough, who is running the 2016 London marathon for the East Anglia Air Ambulance - Credit: Archant
Their stories couldn't be more different, but they both have a single goal in mind – finishing the London Marathon.
Robert Ledger, from Attleborough, is taking part in this year's London Marathon. - Credit: Archant
Katy Walker, from Old Buckenham, and Robert Ledger, 51, from Attleborough, are making final preparations for the run this Sunday.
Ms Walker, a rehab therapist, who is tackling the marathon for the second time, is aiming to raise £2,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, a favourite cause of her grandad, Dennis Graves, from Taverham, who died eight years ago.
She said: 'I'm doing this in memory of my granddad, because the EAAA was his favourite charity. It's such an essential service considering the service that they provide, sometimes it's hard to believe that they rely on donations.
Mr Ledger, who works at Aviva in Norwich, aims to raise £1,500 for the East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each).
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He said he was promoted to support the charity after visiting one of their centres.
'I live fairly near to the Quidenham hospice and recently went on a tour to learn more about the charity.
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'I was amazed by the vast amount of work Each does in the community and how much this specialist work costs – this tour has motivated me even more to raise money for them.'
Having finished the marathon in just under five hours last year, Ms Walker said she couldn't wait to experience the thrills of the run again.
She said: 'It was such an amazing event. There are so many inspirational people involved and you hear so many inspirational stories. The support you get around the course is fantastic as well.'
Mr Ledger, who has taking part for the first time, said: 'I've been a runner for a few years and have taken on several half marathons.
'As I've discovered, training for a marathon gives you lots of time to think, particularly on cold, dark, winter evenings.
'I will have lots of family and friends there cheering me on so the thought of seeing them all at the finish will keep me going.'
Ms Walker's fundraising page is at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KatyWalker. Donations can be made to Mr Ledger's appeal at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobertLedger1.
