by Rebecca Hannant
Two women from Withernsea are gearing up for the 2024 London Marathon after running a series of fundraising events in the town.
Joanne Sneddon and Tracy Hadfield are planning to run the marathon in aid of Asthma + Lung UK.
Joanne said: “Me and my friend Tracy Hadfield met at a local gym and occasionally the owner would put on team challenges, and we were put in the same team.
“I didn’t realise Tracy was from Withernsea and so we used to meet up and go for a run or walk together. We have done a few events together such as a 10k and a mini-triathlon that have been put on locally by Blip Active.
“We have a little WhatsApp group and we arrange to go to the leisure centre at Withernsea for Mx4 which involves cardio strength endurance and power stations on most nights, and then maybe go for a run after and meet up at weekends for longer runs.”
After running local events the pair decided to set their sights on the London Marathon with the aim of raising money for charity.
Joanne added: “The London Marathon is the most iconic race to anyone and we’re hoping the sights and crowds will get us through the times we will struggle. It was my idea to enter the ballot for London and if either of us got a place the other would try to get a charity one.
“Tracy didn’t even know the concept of the ballot, entered first time and got a place. I applied for a few charities, and I was offered some too, but I felt Asthma + Lung UK was more relevant to us with family members who suffer with health conditions.”
They have already held a Mystery Pairs Knockout event at Withernsea Golf Club as well as a cake and coffee morning at Withernsea Methodist Church, and have so far raised £1,812. To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-sneddon4.
