A mother and daughter from Audlem are gearing up for this year’s London marathon in a bid to raise cash to help people in Africa.
Anne Pescod and her daughter Mary are set to take part in this year’s gruelling 26 mile run in an attempt to raise at least £4,000 for the charity Concern Worldwide.
Mary, who is studying for a career in the police, said she wanted to raise funds following a recent trip to Tanzania.
She said: “Last year I was working at an orphanage in Tanzania and it was a really amazing experience. At times it was really sad but at times when we helped the children get adopted it was amazing.
“I wanted to do something to raise money for people in the third world and thought this was a good idea. The money will go towards supporting a sustainable education system in Sierra Leone. It will support projects to rebuild primary schools and provide quality training for local teachers.”
Anne and Mary can currently be seen running along the back streets of the village in preparation for April’s run.
Mary said it was her mum’s fear of flying that lead her to take part.
She said: “My mum wanted to so something to help but she is afraid of flying so this is a way she can pro-actively help. I’ve run the London marathon before and my mum used to help me train by running the first six miles with me and then cycling the rest of the way.
“We are running about 40 miles a week at the moment. It’s been really annoying with the ice and the snow but we’re carrying on because it’s such a good cause.
“Alongside building the schools the money will be used to support communities to take on the management of them as well as ensure that schools are healthy, hygienic and safe.
“An education in a healthy, hygienic, safe environment with qualified teachers is such a simple thing, but I know from my own experience in Tanzania, that in Africa a simple thing is the line between life and death.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Anne and Mary can leave donations at McElveys’ Newsagents in Audlem or by visiting the website www.justgiving.com/moonpenny
