Two Harrogate friends and colleagues have already raised thousands of pounds for charity ahead of this weekend's London Marathon.
Bridget Moore and Amy Cresswell of Alchemy Media will tackle the 26.2-mile trek through the streets of the capital on Sunday having secured more than 85% of their £5,000 target for Macmillan Cancer Support.
While admitting they have only ever attempted the odd 5k Park Run and a 10k Yorkshire Warrior event in the past, the two work colleagues have taken on a dedicated training regime to get themselves ready for what promises to be an emotional day.
Raising funds for Macmillan is a cause close to both their hearts with Amy’s father recently losing his battle with cancer and Bridget witnessing first-hand the devastating impact it has had on close friends.
Managing Partner Amy was keen to ‘give something back’ following the support that Macmillan provided to her family, and Founder Bridget was only too happy to sign up and join her as they plod their way past many of London's best landmarks including The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, finishing on the Mall by Buckingham Palace.
The date of the marathon also happens to land on the 18th birthday of the business, Alchemy Media, which is based in Harrogate's Windsor House.
Alchemy Media Founder Bridget said:
“I wanted to do something significant for the business turning 18 and the London Marathon actually falls on our birthday.
“So, it feels like this was meant to be. We also wanted to raise some money for a worthwhile cause and something close to our hearts, it has been so heart-warming to see the generosity of our family, colleagues, friends, clients, partners and suppliers in supporting our cause.
“Preparations have been going well. We have followed the Chris Evans ‘119 days to your first marathon’ training plan which means we have been running three or four times per week since Christmas, including an increasingly long run each Sunday."
Bridget added:
“It has been a big commitment as the runs have got longer, taking up most of Sunday in terms of planning, fuelling, running and recovering. But having a clear plan has definitely increased our confidence, resilience and recovery rates, so we know we’re in good shape for the big day.
“We’d like to come in just under 5 hours – although to be honest this really is the challenge of a lifetime and just finishing will be reward enough.
“We have never done anything like this before. A team of us from Alchemy Media took part in Yorkshire Warrior to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research a few years back, so a 10k obstacle run is about the limit to our experience.
“We are looking forward to sampling the atmosphere on the day and do feel like we’ve planned for quite a lot of the variables, so the scariest things are the bits outside of our control – the weather and how busy it will be on the day.”
Alchemy is a Media Planning and Buying Agency, advising clients on where, when and how to spend their advertising budgets.
Alchemy looks to ensure that advertising is delivered in the "most impactful and memorable ways" across traditional and digital media.
Amy said:
“My lovely, incredible, dad recently passed away from cancer. At the time that I applied for a charity place with Macmillan Cancer Support, we were one of the lucky families experiencing the amazing care that Macmillan provide to people living with cancer.
“I can’t thank them enough for the kindness and support they showed us during my dad’s last months and weeks which made what was a very difficult time, easier for all of us. For that I will be forever grateful.
“Bridget has shown the ultimate support for me by offering to help me raise money for this amazing charity, so I’m hugely grateful to her for this.”
The pair have currently raised £4,303 of their £5,000 target. Contribute to their JustGiving page here.
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
