A WOMAN from Whitchurch is all set to run the London Marathon later this month to raise funds to support older people living in financial hardship.

Clare Collins, 47, will be running the marathon on Sunday, April 23, to raise funds for Independent Age, a national charity that supports older people living in financial hardship. 

Clare, a sales manager at Samsung, said: “I’m fundraising for Independent Age because their mission resonates so strongly with me. Like many people my age, my parents are older. After years of being self-sufficient, they suddenly needed residential care. Whilst they are undoubtedly well looked after now, have plenty of company, and are safe, it has been a heartbreaking and very costly transition for all of us. I wish we were aware of Independent Age as its useful advice would have really helped during this challenging period. I want older people and their families to have access to a charity that has their best wishes at heart.”  

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This will be Clare’s first marathon and she is hoping to raise £3,000 for Independent Age.

So far, she has enjoyed the training, saying: “Running a marathon has been on my bucket list for a long time, so I am very excited to tick it off. I won’t lie and say it has always been easy, but I have been enjoying the challenge. The marathon is part of a series of big life changes that include giving up alcohol, eating healthier and being more active. This definitely won’t be my last marathon."

Clare is part of a team of 10 hoping to raise £28,400 for Independent Age at this year’s London Marathon by taking on the 26.2-mile challenge. 

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Independent Age is a national charity that provides a strong campaigning voice, and free and impartial advice on the issues that matter to people over 65 and their families, including money and benefits.  

Stuart Rogers, acting chief executive of Independent Age, said: “Thank you to Clare for choosing to support Independent Age at the London Marathon. We admire her commitment to supporting those in later life.  

“At Independent Age, our mission is to ensure that as we grow older, we all have the opportunity to live well with dignity, choice and purpose. We couldn’t do this without volunteers and fundraisers like Clare. Thank you.”