A RUNNER reaches the magical milestone of running her 20th London Marathon next Sunday.


Louise Blizzard, of Mill Close, Houghton Green, will be marking the event by helping to raise money for St Rocco’s Hospice and Halton Haven Hospice.


And over the years the event has played an important part in the 38-year-old’s life.


Louise did her first marathon aged 18 in 1994 with her dad and the following year qualified for an elite place after finishing in two hours 58 minutes.


Since then every year she has qualified for the elite race and her personal best time is two hours 54 minutes.


The race proved the backdrop for her proposal from husband Gareth, who got down on one knee on Tower Bridge after the 2008 event.


In 2010 though Louise did not take part as one day later she gave birth to son Alfie.
Louise has won the UK Marathon Championship team award with her club Belgrave Harriers three times too.


Louise said: “As this is my 20th running of the London Marathon, I would like to recognise this special anniversary by running in memory of two special people and to raise funds for two incredible organisations.


“Paul Darbyshire passed away in 2011 after a courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease, the way Paul battled his disease with courage and dignity was, and continues to be, an inspiration to many.


“I would like to raise funds for St Rocco’s Hospice, to remember Paul, and thank the staff and support of the hospice for their care of Paul and his family.”


If you would like sponsor Louise and support St. Rocco’s Hospice visit justgiving.com/louise-blizzard3.


Or if you would like to support Halton Haven Hospice visit justgiving.com/Louise-Blizzard4