Vicky is taking on the Paris marathon for CLF, please support Vicky by donating online

A Southport woman is putting her best foot forward to run the Paris marathon for charity.

Vicky Simpson, reservations manager at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, is in training to run the Paris Marathon to raise money for Community Link Foundation.

Vicky started running just three years ago but in that short time, has already completed three marathons, a whole range of half marathons and many other races.

The Paris Marathon is on April 9 and Vicky started her 16 week training programme in December, and will build up to 20 mile runs prior to the marathon.

Vicky said: “I heard about the work that Community Link Foundation does in the area and it has really inspired me; I think that what they do for local causes is amazing and I want to do my bit to help them.
“I have never participated for a charity before – I’ve always thought about it but I’ve always just had a place through the ballot so completed it for myself. For Paris, I’ve gained the place and paid for the flights and accommodation myself but wanted to fundraise.
“When I ran the Chester Marathon in October, I struggled quite a bit, so I know that running for charity will spur me on. I will know that when I find it tough, I have to keep going to earn my sponsorship.”

Vicky started running on the treadmill at the gym in 2013. A friend suggested she tried running outside and she got the running bug! She completed her first half marathon in Birmingham in October 2013 and last year alone, she completed the Manchester and Chester marathons. Vicky now runs with a group of friends every Sunday morning and is looking forward to her next marathon.

She continued: “I’m really looking forward to it because I have always tended to do the smaller marathons but with so many people taking part, I think this one is going to have a great atmosphere, and it’s in such a beautiful place. I am hoping to raise a good amount of money for Community Link Foundation to help support them in the wonderful work they do with a whole range of organisations and individuals in this area.”

To sponsor Vicky, http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=VickySimpson1&faId=782411&isTeam=false

For more information about Community Link Foundation, or if you would like to fundraise for them, please go to www.clfoundation.co.uk.