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Rebecca's story

Five years ago I was writing my bucket list of things to do before I turned 50 and running of any distance didn’t feature at all…I didn’t even own any trainers! Fast forward to now and how things have changed!

On 3rd October 2021 I’ll be taking part in The London Marathon to fundraise for Hear Together who have taken on the role of the former Ear Foundation a charity that supported my younger sister Abigail Greenwood since she received her cochlear implant 13 years ago.

Last year I completed the Virtual London Marathon in torrential rain. I did the first 7 miles at midnight and the remaining 19 miles the following morning. This will therefore be my first ‘all in one go’ 26.2 mile run.

I started running in 2016 following the start up of Pitshanger Park Runners that year by an inspirational friend. Since then PPR has grown significantly and is a group I’m proud to be a part of with many of us running distances beyond our wildest dreams. So when I was offered the challenge of running the London Marathon for a Charity who have helped my sister it was something I couldn’t refuse. I am hoping to complete my first marathon in under 5 hours and would love as much support from my friends and family along the way to help me achieve that.

As with all small charities, Hear Together are dependent on fundraising to keep them going. I’ll therefore be grateful of all donations no matter how small or large!

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Clare's story

Why the London Marathon at the age of 55?

I did Couch to 5k about 4 years ago as part of a parents group at my children’ athletics club. I am always telling the children I work with to ‘take their opportunities’ and this was mine!  I learned to run, I lost 2 stone in weight and I went down 2 dress sizes.  So when Hear Together needed London Marathon runners I jumped at the opportunity, because it's secretly been on my bucket list for years and years. 

Why sponsor me for Hear Together?

Hear Together is the new charity, grown from The Ear Foundation (TEF), which I was associated with for over 20 years.  When TEF had to close I was sad to my core.  My younger brother, who is far wiser than I’d realised when I was a child, said to me to focus upon ‘consolation’ not ‘desolation’, because at the time I felt so sad, devastated, and desolate.  Focussing upon ‘consolation’, and ‘consolidating’ really pulled things together and gave me purpose and vision.  It made me see the loss to all the children, adults, and families we worked with.  It showed me the huge need there was for our services and support, and how desperate things were without them.  My feelings changed to being optimistic and hopeful of change.  It gives energy and drive and fired my passion.  So it was with purpose and vision and feelings of excitement and in trepidation that I joined with Sarah, Diana, Laura and the 4 Hear Together Trustees to create Hear Together.  As a member of the HT team I am so privileged to see first hand the amazing impact Hear Together has on all those who join with our work.  As a new charity every donation small or large makes a huge difference, I tangibly see the impact of each £20, £50, £100.  It’s truly changing lives! 

This is a huge challenge for me. I hope I make it to the start line injury free.  The training is gruelling and I am slow but very committed! Thank you for sponsoring me and the Hear Together team.  Thank you for all your encouragement and messages. I will certainly need them to get round. 

Clare

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