TWO runners tackle TWO marathons in TWO days

John Asher and Helen Hawley will be running the 30 miles from Grantham to Nottingham on Saturday, before tackling the 30 mile return leg the following day.

The pair are raising money for Parkinson’s UK.

“The idea came for my wife’s hairdresser Alison Richardson,” said 72-year-old seasoned runner John.

“We were going to run for charity, but she suggested doing it for Parkinsons UK as her father died of the illness.”

John has done a few marathons in his time, but this will be the longest he has attempted in one go.

“I’ve done a number of marathons in the past, but this one will be a cracker,” he said.

“I did the Rotherham Ultra last year and that was 50 miles.”

The duo have been training hard for the mammoth journey, and their nerves are beginning to set in.

“We have done quite a lot of training through the winter, which was thankfully quite mild,” added John.

“We got up to doing 50 miles a week, but have been bringing it back down again.”

“I am a bit nervous about it but I’m excited too and the adrenaline is kicking in.”

“It is a big ask to run again after the first leg when you are aching and stiff, but it will be a wonderful achievement,

The runners have already raised over £1,000, but are hoping to increase the total.

To sponsor John and Helen visit www.justgiving.com/helen-hawleyandJohn-Asher