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The Express & Star has launched a major appeal to secure the future of an Acorns children’s hospice.
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An MNA sub-editor has proven she is quick off the mark by running a half marathon for a charity cause close to her heart.
Sarah Cowen-Strong, who is based in the editorial department at Queen Street, completed the Stratford-on-Avon Half Marathon on Sunday to raise money the Epilepsy Society.
The cause is one Sarah is keen to help as her daughter Eliza was diagnosed with epilepsy 10 years ago.
An experienced marathon runner, Sarah completed the distance in a time considerably faster than her last effort.
She explains: “After doing 10 marathons, I thought it was time to calm down a bit and just do halves.
“As I seem to get slower every year I wasn’t expecting to beat my last half by 10 minutes. But at two hours 33 minutes, I am still not going to be picked for the Olympics any time soon!
“I love the atmosphere of a race and forcing myself out of the bed in the morning to run.
“Also, I live in very hilly Worcestershire so most organised races are not usually going to be as bad.
“It helps that I’m running for a cause so close to my heart. Eliza had her first seizure about 10 years ago while in a drama rehearsal at school and although, cross fingers, she’s coping on medication, life hasn’t been quite the same since.
“Every little bit of support we can give to the charity is a glimmer of hope to millions.”
Sarah hopes generous colleagues will join those who have already donated.
Click here to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-cowen-strong?utm_id=121
The Epilepsy Society conducts “world class medical research projects”, diagnosing and treating thousands of people with epilepsy every year.
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An MNA production team member is preparing to cycle from London to Paris to raise money for an Alzheimer’s charity.
Pre press assistant Kim Fawcett, who works at the Wolverhampton head office, will pedal 300 miles between capital cities in July to collect funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Kim said she agreed to take part because she “likes a challenge”.
She said: “All the funds I raise will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Society. Like many families, my family has been affected by Alzheimer’s so I would love to reach my target of £750.”
Kim will cycle around 80 miles per day over four days to reach her destination, with all those who complete the challenge getting to see the Tour de France pass through Paris.
She said: “I am training every weekend and during the week, which has been intense.
“This challenge will take over my life over the next few months.”
Kim will take part in the ride with her friend Jen Morris, who she cycles alongside as part of the Wolverhampton Wheelers group.
Click here to visit Kim’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kimfawcett
The London to Paris adventure is the latest in Kim’s series of fundraising exploits.
In 2013, she took part in the Aberdovey 100 mile bike ride and raised more than £300 for local charities only to have a serious accident 70 miles into the journey which resulted in her breaking her knee.
A year later she managed to get back on her bike to do the challenge again and finished what she had set out to do 12 months before.
In January 2015 Kim was undergoing treatment for a serious illness and decided to raise awareness for breast cancer. With the support of her family and friends she took part in the Race for Life held at Wolverhampton’s West Park to raise money for breast cancer.
September 2015 she rode tandem in the Carvers Wolverhampton Marathon Bike ride to collect funds for the same cause. In 2016 Kim took part in the Prudential Ride London 100 and raised over £1500 for Breast Cancer Care.
In 2016, Kim was named production person of the year at the MNA Real Awards.