Gardener's special reason for running

AN IPSWICH landscape gardener is swapping his gardening gloves for running shorts as he faces a gruelling fitness regime to prepare him for the London marathon.

Gavin Clarke, of Brookfield Road, Ipswich, is gearing up to run the 2009 Flora London Marathon to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign, after losing his mother and mother-in-law to the disease this year.

The 34-year-old, who ran the marathon last year, said this attempt at running the 26.2 mile course means more than he can put into words.

“When my mum Sue was diagnosed with cancer it was a very difficult and confusing time for us,” Gavin said.

“It all happened so quickly and less than a year later she is no longer with us, and the fact that my dear old mother in law Ginny Benneworth went so quick too was simply devastating to both families and friends.”

His mother, Sue Clarke, passed away on September 9 and less than a month later Mr Clarke's family faced the devastating loss of his mother-in-law on October 8.

Mr Clarke added: “The Breast Cancer campaign needs as many donations as possible to try and find a cure to defeat this awful unforgiving disease and between us we can all help by digging deep and giving what we can.”

He is urging people to back his fundraising run and help him reach his target of £1,500 for his chosen charity.

“My regulars in my slimming class have been very generous,” he added. “Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean The Breast Cancer Campaign can continue their invaluable work.

“Anyone who knows me will know I am not the greatest athlete in the world, getting up early in the morning to put myself through this is not my idea of fun but I know it will be worthwhile in the end.”

If you want to support Gavin and sponsor him, you can visit his online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/gavsmarathonpage, or you can contact Gavin on 07701 071 590.