David aims to give Star a boost
RUNNER David Francis is raring to go - taking part in this weekend's London Marathon to help boost the Evening Star's guide dog appeal.
RUNNER David Francis is raring to go - taking part in this weekend's London Marathon to help boost the Evening Star's guide dog appeal.
Mr Francis, 33, an IT/security manager with Caring Homes Group Ltd, is aiming to complete the 26 miles in around five hours.
“I was a late entry, so my training schedule has been a bit hampered, but last year I had less training and did it in five hours 13 minutes,” he said.
It will be his third marathon - in 1997 he ran four hours 51 minutes for John Grooms raising �2500, and last year raised �1,100 for the Alzheimer's Society.
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Mr Francis, who lives at Capel St Mary, said he and his work colleagues already supported Guide Dogs for the Blind collecting used toners and old mobiles and so decided to support the appeal to help pay for guide dog puppy Star's breeding and training to become the eyes of a blind or visually-impaired person.
So far he has raised �1,300, including a �250 donation from his company plus money raised from a cheesecake competition and other donations. A quiz night is also being held on May 9 at the Queen's Head in Great Wenham.
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“It's a really good cause and we just want to raise as much money as possible,” he said.
Penny Parker, who is Star's puppy walker for her first year of training, said: “David's making a fantastic effort and will all be watching the marathon on Sunday to see if we can spot him!”
To donate to the appeal, please send cheques - made payable to the Guide Dogs - to Richard Cornwell, Evening Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DU.
