Our marathon efforts

11:06am Tuesday 25th March 2008

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A FASHION designer is measuring up her chances of success in the London Marathon next month.

Caroline Ryan, 26, of Weymouth, is taking on the capital challenge in aid of Kidney Research UK.

She is running in memory of her friend Neil, who died of kidney disease in 2003 at the age of 27.

Caroline said: "He was such an amazing inspirational person, who really enjoyed life despite his difficulties."

The cause has double significance for Caroline, because her friend's two-year-old son recently underwent treatment for chronic renal failure.

Caroline said: "Although he's perfectly happy and healthy now, he's likely to need a kidney transplant in later life.

"I want to raise awareness of the charity as well as lots of money."

Caroline, who works as a designer for New Look at their Weymouth head office, has also run the Great South Run for Kidney Research UK.

She said: "I am not a runner per se, but am really enjoying the training and am hoping to complete the marathon in four and a half hours."

Hazel goes on the run for MS

HUMAN resources manager Hazel Hill is tackling the London Marathon in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

She decided to step out for the charity as her sister suffers from the disease.

Hazel, who works for Blanchards Solicitors in Blandford and Dorchester, is training hard after succeeding on her fifth attempt to secure a place in the event. Blanchards has donated £200 in sponsorship.

Senior partner Mark Bellman said: "Hazel, as our HR manager, has always been helpful and caring towards everyone here and this type of commitment is typical of her.

"We are only too pleased to have given this money, which will be added to whatever is raised by our staff towards such a worthy cause as the MS Society"

Email Hazel at hazel.hill@blanchards.co.uk to sponsor her.