Sarah Donati-Ford is running the London Marathon in memory of her friend

A WOMAN who is a newcomer to long-distance running is preparing to run her first marathon in memory of a close friend.

Sarah Donati-Ford from St Peter has taken on the challenge of running in the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 25 April to fulfil the ambition of her friend, Stephanie Gould.

‘Stephanie took up running and had set herself the goal of running in the London Marathon in memory of her own mother, who passed away from cancer, despite being diagnosed with breast cancer herself,’ Sarah said.

Following Stephanie’s death, Sarah, who is married to Tim, decided to take on the challenge on her friend’s behalf and will be running the marathon in aid of breast cancer research through the charity Breast Cancer Campaign.

‘I will be proud to run as a tribute to my good friend, as well as in memory of her mother, while also supporting the 45,000 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK this year,’ she said.

Fitting in her training sessions when she can while being a busy mum, Sarah has already raised £1,000 towards her £2,000 target.

Anyone wishing to support Sarah should visit the website www.justgiving.com/sarahdonatiford or send a cheque, made payable to Breast Cancer Campaign, to Sarah Donati-Ford at Charnwood Poplars, Le Vieux Beaumont, St Peter, JE3 7EA.