A MUM is putting her best foot forward to take on her biggest challenge to date.

Clare Pimbley, 37, has been running for three years, and has completed a number of distance races, including Weymouth half marathon. But this year she is taking on double the distance by running the London Marathon in aid of the Wessex Cancer Trust.

It’s a cause close to her heart, as Clare knows a number of people who have suffered from cancer, including her mum, who is now in remission. Her nan is also battling cancer.

And it’s also a chance to revisit her own childhood, as the mum-of-three grew up in London and would often watch the race with her parents.
Clare, from Bridport, said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I wanted to support a local charity and the Wessex Cancer Trust is out there, in the community. When you have cancer, you are ill but life does still go on. The Trust is an all-encompassing lifeline.”

Clare said her family have been very supportive, with her children helping her to fundraise and her youngest son firmly believing she is going to win.

“I replied that Mo Farah is running and I wouldn’t want to steal his limelight,” she joked.

To prepare, she has been training with Transition Runners, and praised the support offered by coach Joe Allan.

“He’s really good at giving us a plan. I feel like, with his help, I will be ready.”

Clare, who works at Palmers Wine Store, said she has been applying for the London Marathon through the ballot process for several years, but has not been successful. This year, she decided to apply for a charity spot, and found out she got the place in October. Since then, she has been busy training and fundraising, and is organising a Valentine’s Dinner on Friday, February 16 to raise funds. 

The event takes place at Martins bar and restaurant at Highlands End Holiday Park from 7.30pm. There will be live music from the Vinyl Monkeys, a raffle and auction. Tickets cost £30 and are available from the Chocolatiers Cafe, Bridport PC Repair and Bridport Music, or by calling Clare on 07482400433.

Clare hopes to raise £1,500 for the Wessex Cancer Trust. Support her at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clare-pimbley2

Are you running the London Marathon? If you would like to feature your story in the Bridport News, contact Rachel Stretton by emailing news@bridportnews.co.uk or calling 01305 830981