Clare’s marathon efforts for Age UK

Six miles is currently ‘a pleasant run’ for Bury St Edmunds bar manager Clare Harding but she will need another 20 miles ‘in the bag’ by April 26.

The 29-year-old is planning to be one of tens of thousands of people to run in this year’s London Marathon.

“I’m turning the big 3-0 in June so wanted to cross something off my bucket list,” said Clare, who is committed to running two half marathons in March in preparation.

She added: “I’m nervous and wondering if I’ll get to the point when 26.2 miles is in the bag, but I’m also really looking forward to the moment when I cross the finish line.”

She will be running for Age UK, a charity she chose because of her partner, Lucy Dougan’s, prior experience of delivering domiciliary care.

Clare said: “She is very passionate and vocal about the lack of support for the older generation in our own community.

“Often, the allotted half hour she would have to visit someone would be the only contact the client would have with someone that entire day, every day.”

To help boost sponsorship, Clare has organised two fund-raisers where she works - at the Moreton Hall Community Club in Symonds Road – a race night with free entry from 8pm tomorrow and a Big Breakfast Eating Challenge on March 28.

To join the challenge, call 01284 763402 or email moretonhallclub@aol.com

To sponsor Clare, visit www.justgiving.com/Clare-Harding1