Girls want to go on the run (From Warrington Guardian)

Girls want to go on the run

A TEAM of women runners is desperately trying to secure places in this year's London Marathon so they can raise money for the John Blower Trust.

Mr Blower's sister-in-law Debbie Carter has been training with friends Keeley Connell and Angela Campbell for the past three years with the express intention of running the marathon once.

Debbie's husband John said: "They've trained as friends and supported and cajoled each other whenever either one has felt reluctant to carry on, which has been frequent. They only ever wanted to do this as a team."

However, while Angela, aged 39, has got a place in the 2004 race, 41-year-old Debbie and Keeley, aged 36, have been turned down - and to add to their woes, they now have another goal to aim for.

Rather than just running the race, the trio wants to use it as a way of fundraising for the John Blower Trust.

Mr Carter said: "I have already written and pleaded and been rejected by David Bedford, London Marathon race director. He explained that 60,000 people have also been rejected from the LM lottery."

He added: "It would be great if we could help the plight of a committed local sportsman, who has helped raise money, coach juniors and promote sport, and in particular rugby, in the local area.

"If anyone wants to sacrifice their place in the race but it will leave them out pocket, then we're happy to compensate for that or even make a donation to the charity they might have been racing for."

Anyone who thinks they might be able to help the cause can call 01606 835960.