Havant children's charity worker due to tackle London Marathon to help support families

Alanah Williams is taking part in the famous race on October 4 to raise money for Park Families, where she is a speech and language therapist.

So far, the Chichester resident has raised more than £800 and has been training hard to take on the 26-mile challenge.

Alanah, who has worked as a speech and language therapist for 15 years, said that 70 per cent of the 200 children looked after by Park Families have a speech and language delay.

She said: ‘I’m running the marathon and raising money so more staff can be trained to deliver the therapy on a daily basis, to help children with limited access to services from the NHS. It’s a privilege to be employed by Park Families, and I want to give something back to thank them for believing in me.

‘I’ve been running as a hobby for eight years, starting with 5k runs and building up to half marathons, and it’s always been an ambition of mine to run a full marathon. Training has been gruelling, but it’s been lovely to run through the South Downs which are just on my doorstep.’

Originally due to take place on April 26, the marathon had to be postponed due to the coronavirus situation.

Alanah, who has taken the extra time as an opportunity to raise more funds, said: ‘I found out the marathon had been postponed on the day I finished my first 20-mile run. That was gutting, but I’m still planning on running the marathon later this year – I’ve put so much work in that I’m not giving up now!’

At one of the Park Families nurseries the children did a sponsored toddle to support Alanah’s goal, and housebuilder Bellway Wessex, which is building at the Brookvale development off Bartons Road, donated £250 towards her appeal.

Jon Stuart, chief executive of Park Families, said: ‘We are delighted that Alanah is helping us with funding. Covid-19 and the resulting isolation has badly impacted our children’s wellbeing and this funding will be even more useful.’

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlanahWilliams1 to donate.

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