Irene raising cash for charity marathon

A runner from Cumbernauld is going the distance for charity this month by taking part in the London Marathon.

Irene Jennings (52), is taking part in the gruelling challenge to raise cash for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and has a point to prove after missing out on the run last year through illness.

She held a coffee morning last weekend to help boost her funds and is keen for the focus to be on the charity, not the mammoth task in hand.

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Irene, a clerical assistant at Woodlands Primary School, said: “We raised £725 on the morning and then I took the rest of the things into the school and sold them there.

“That brought it up to around £1100, which is fantastic. There was home baking, gifts and face painting for the children. Everyone seemed to have a great time.”

Irene is a member of Jog Scotland and has participated in three marathons before and after missing last year’s run she is geared up and raring to make up for lost time.

“Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland is a really important charity. These kinds of things can effect anyone and we’ve seen that in the news recently.

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“I know people who are effected by heart problems and people who have had strokes. These types of things are also effecting younger people much more than they did before.

“Of course, every charity is a great cause, but Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland have been chosen by Jog Scotland, so that’s who I’m running for. The money I’m raising will also be staying in Scotland, which is great news too.”

She added: “I thank everyone for their support because without them I just couldn’t have done it at all. Everyone in the club, my friends and family and the school were great.”

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MP Gregg McClymont was also there to pledge his support to Irene’s run.

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He said: “It was lovely to meet Irene and hear how her training for the London Marathon is going.

“The coffee morning was a huge success, with a great turnout. Irene’s dedication to raising funds for the Chest, Heart and Stroke Charity is remarkable and I wish her well for the big day next month.”