A group of runners from the travel industry have started training for this year’s London Marathon as they look to raise £18,000 for charity.
Lucia Rowe, A-Rosa River Cruises; Lisa McAuley, Silver Travel Advisor; Jacqueline Dobson, Barrhead Travel; Natalie King, James Villas; Jessica Hartley, Vision Cruise, journalist Jeannine Williamson; and Travel Weekly’s Harry Kemble and Penny Blake will all run the 26.2 mile race in October.
The runners are collectively raising money for the Family Holiday Charity, which sends underprivileged families away on holiday.
Ultra-marathon coach and motivational speaker Rory Coleman will support the group and draw up individual training plans for them as they prepare for the marathon on October 2.
He has completed more than 1,000 marathons over the past 27 years.
Rowe, who completed the 2021 London Marathon a year after being diagnosed with leukaemia, called the experience of running the street race “life-changing”.
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joined by these brave travel industry colleagues on the once-in-a-lifetime London Marathon challenge this October.
“Every one of us has a great story behind our motivation to master the race that lies ahead of us. It is truly life-changing stuff, and we need everybody’s support with it.”
She added: “The Family Holiday Charity’s cause is so close to the heart of our beloved travel sector.
“Giving struggling families a break to escape from their difficult day-to-day lives brings it home how lucky we are in the travel industry to be able to travel again. So, please, do help us with as much as you can.”
To make a donation, visit the Holiday Heroes’ JustGiving page here.