A MARATHON woman from South Tyneside is taking on the road-running challenge of a lifetime to boost two good causes.
Linda Brewis, from Hebburn, plans to run a 26-mile race every month of this year, starting tomorrow.
Despite recently suffering a knee injury, super-fit Linda is confident she can complete her exhausting monthly marathons.
She said: “I am passionate about running. I run twice a week and take part in a boot camp, so I am not worried.”
In her first marathon, Linda, 31, will cover 26.2 miles of Whitby’s moorland and coast, in the snowy and icy conditions.
After that, she will take part in monthly marathons as far north as Loch Ness, Scotland, and further down the country, in Liverpool.
Apart from setting herself a gruelling physical challenge, the Hebburn road runner is also aiming to raise cash for the children’s kidney unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Sunderland Special Olympics.
She added: “I wanted to raise money for the children’s kidney unit because my friend’s little girl was born with kidney problems and she was looked after there.
“The staff have done amazing work and any money will go direct to the ward, as they are currently trying to raise money for a new machine.”
Linda, a civil servant from Campbell Park Road, Hebburn, chose to support the Sunderland Special Olympics after her running coach, Elliot Gowland, told her about the excellent work it does.
She said: “My coach for the marathons used to train people at the Special Olympics. I think they do a fantastic job.
“They provide sports training and competitions for people with learning difficulties, which makes an invaluable difference.
“I think sport can have such a positive impact on people’s lives. That’s why I do it. I can’t commend enough what the charity does enough and I hope the public will agree.”
For her last race in December, she will make up her own route and get a few of her friends to join in for a few miles, before celebrating in a local pub.
Linda trained with Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club as a teenager.
She added: “I’ve always loved running. It gives me a great sense of freedom and I get to see some of the beautiful scenery that the UK has to offer.”
Anyone wishing to support her should visit http://www.justgiving.com/Linda-Brewis1
Twitter: @terrykelly16
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