Taking on the challenge of the marathon

Peter Carwardine and his daughter, 21-year-old Amy, are set to raise cash for the charity that helped a disabled family friend enjoy adventurous activities that many people take for granted.

The Calvert Trust provides people with disabilities opportunities to participate in outdoor pursuits and the Carwardines' friend, Brendan Feeley is a regular user of the service.

Hereford Couriers member Peter from Wentworth Road, Holmer is thrilled his daughter will be running with him on his ninth marathon.

He last raised funds for the Calvert Trust in 1999, after he heard about the great time Brendan, now 19, had on one of the Trust's challenging outdoor holidays through Brendan's mum while working at Wiggin Special Metal.

Amy, a payroll administrator for Sun Valley Foods, hopes to follow in her father's footsteps and continue her training after the marathon by joining up with the Couriers.

She said: "We just wanted to raise awareness for the Calvert Trust and what it can do for people with disabilities.

"It's great that people like Brendan can have the opportunity to enjoy challenging adventurous holidays.

"We would like to thank our friends, family and work colleagues for all their support."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Peter and Amy should call them on 01432 358610.

THEY haven't put on a pair of running shoes since they left school, but Zoe Skyrme and Sarah Fisher are hoping their trainers don't let them down on April 18 when they join the 45,000 starters in the London Marathon.

Zoe and Sarah, who work at Pets at Homes' Hereford store, are both great animal lovers, with two dogs, a cat, gerbils, fish and chinchillas in their personal menageries, and they will be running to raise funds for PDSA, the country's leading veterinary charity.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Zoe (right) and Sarah (left), pictured above with Delta and helping them reach their target of £1500 can contact them at Pets at Home: 01432 373050.

041229-1.