Losing pounds to gain pounds

RUNNERS are pounding the streets ahead of two of the world's great marathon events.

Ian Woodroffe knows a lot about the effects a premature baby can have on parents.

The 58-year-old counsellor at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cambridge's Addenbrooke's Hospital offers support to families whose babies are being cared for.

But he is also preparing for a marathon fundraising effort and will jet off to New York to tackle the city's famous marathon on Sunday, November 6. Ian, of Station Road, Swaffham Bulbeck, hopes to raise at least £3,000.

Dedicated Cub Scout leader Dave Pinnington has been clocking up the miles before tackling his fifth Great North Run on Sunday, September 18.

Dave is raising funds for the Fenstanton and Hilton Scout Group. He is hoping to get round the halfmarathon course in one hour and 45 minutes and bring home £600, which would be ploughed into activities such as swimming and camping for the youngsters.

He said: "I personally get so much out of seeing the kids enjoy themselves and have a good time."

Also tackling the run will be Sarah Chapman, 27, who works at Cambridge University library. She is running in aid of Leukaemia Research, the UK's leading blood cancer charity, and she has already passed her £600 target.

Sarah, of Great Cambourne, was just four when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 1982. She was treated at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital and spent eight weeks in isolation because her immune system was so weak.

She said: "I just think it's payback time as I survived and I want many others to do the same."

Sarah will be joined by her friend Claire Blaney, 27, from Longstanton, in the race.

Last year Michelle Crowe couldn't run further than 200m without getting out of breath. But now the 29-year-old Darwin College student is shedding the pounds and getting into shape for the Great North Run in aid of Epilepsy Action.

Michelle, who is doing a PhD in French linguistics, said: "My brother developed epilepsy about 10 years ago so it's a condition close to my heart. I'm excited and nervous about the race, as I have never taken part in anything like this before.

"Around Christmas 2004 I couldn't even run further than about 200m without being out of breath. I am currently in the process of getting into shape and have set myself the target to lose100lb."

As reported in the Cambridge Evening News