A PAIR of cricket loving Rhos on Sea residents are set to tackle the London Marathon for two very worthy causes.
Stuart Chapman-Edwards, 33, and Gail Hughes, 48, both members of Colwyn Bay Cricket Club, are taking part in the 26-mile race through the capital on April 25.
Although Stuart, who is the club’s steward, is attempting his first marathon he is confident he can finish and raise money for Happy Faces children’s charity.
He said: “This is my first one, I cannot wait. I spent the winter dreading it but now I know I can do it. I spend six or seven hours a week training. It has been demanding, it is hard work, but I am confident I can do it. I’m aiming to finish in about four hours, I’m not going to push myself.
“Happy Faces meets at the cricket club and I see a lot of what they do. All the money raised stays in North Wales and goes to help disabled and disadvantaged children.”
After finishing last year’s marathon with a broken foot, Gail, a truant officer at Ysgol Bryn Elian, knows exactly what to expect.
But with a hectic schedule as a junior coach at the club she has been hard pressed to find time to train.
She said: “I finished in six hours and 17 minutes. I was pleased, nobody knew it was broken until after. I passed Peter Andre and Katie Price after 23 miles so that gave me a boost.
“For my training I go out a couple of times a week. I know what to expect. I said last year I would not do it again but I got the bug. It is exciting.
“Help the Hospices is a really good cause. We all know somebody who has gone through cancer. I lost my mum a couple of years ago to cancer.”
If you would like to sponsor Stuart you can contact 07919 834557 and to sponsor Gail visit www.justgiving.com/Gail-Hughes.