Kind-hearted Eastleigh mum takes on a charity challenge
A kind-hearted Eastleigh mum took part in
the London Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for the
local branch of St John Ambulance.
Claire McLennan, 29, a
volunteer with St John Ambulance for the past 18 years, was
distraught when thieves stole over £7,000 worth of
equipment from St John Ambulance station, in Desborough
Road, Eastleigh
back in May. She is determined to raise as much money as
possible to replace the life-saving defibrillator, scoop stretcher,
incident bags and their contents.
Mum to Nicola,9 Curtis,7 and 20 month old
Edward, Claire said “This will be my first ever competitive
run and I am really looking forward to it. I have been
training hard and I am confident I will finish. It’s for a
great cause, I have learnt so much with St John Ambulance and I
just want to give something back.”
She added: “I want to raise at least £1000. I
have been with St John Ambulance for 18 years, my Dad was always
involved when I was a child and I now volunteer as a cadet leader
in Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford. St John Ambulance has
provided me with so much. I have received exceptional training and
experience and its now time to repay that.”
Michelle Dobson, County
Fundraiser for St John Ambulance Hampshire said: “We’re incredibly
grateful to Claire for all her help and hard work. Having been a
very committed volunteer for a long time she understands that
St John Ambulance teaches first aid in local communities,
so that anyone can be the difference between a life lost and a life
saved.”
The half marathon took place on 9 October
2011, starting in Hyde Park. For more information on Claire’s
challenge and to donate please log on to www.justgiving.com/Claire-McLennan
.