Paris Marathon challenge for Shrewsbury teacher Helen
The waiting is almost over for teacher Helen Crook. The 39-year-old, from Oswestry, will take part in the Paris Marathon on Sunday to raise money for air ambulances covering Shropshire and Mid Wales.
She will limber up for the 26.2-mile marathon by taking part in the French capital's 5k parkrun tomorrow.
Helen and fellow members of the Shropshire Shufflers running club will take on the parkrun as the club was at the forefront of setting up Shrewsbury's parkrun, which is held every Saturday morning in the Quarry. At least half a dozen Shufflers were flying out to Paris today (FRI APR 1) for the marathon.
"I have completed marathons before but this is my first international one," Helen said. "It will be good to do the Paris parkrun as it was the parkrun in Shrewsbury that put me in contact with Shropshire Shufflers. Parkruns are great ways to start running."
Helen teaches at Belvidere School in Shrewsbury and said she has had tremendous support from students and staff there. She is raising funds for both the Midlands and Wales air ambulances in recognition of the work they do saving lives.
"My friend had a fall and had to be airlifted to hospital," she said. "Her life was saved by the air ambulance."
Anna Evans, from Wales Air Ambulance, said: "We are so grateful to Helen for taking part in the Paris Marathon to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. She deserves all the support she can get, because her efforts will help us to keep flying our helicopters, and continue saving lives in this area."
Wales Air Ambulance has aircraft are based in Caernarfon, Swansea and Welshpool and between the three can reach any part of Wales in less than 20 minutes, while midlands Air Ambulance has helicopters based at Cosford and Strensham in Worcestershire.
Both air ambulances entirely upon charitable donations to operate their helicopters.
