A Harrogate woman will take part in the iconic TCS London Marathon next month in support of women, children and families.
Debbie Herridge, aged 51, is running for Parents And Children Together (PACT), a charity that provides outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and inspirational community projects.
Debbie, who works as payments manager for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said running the London Marathon was a long held ambition!
Debbie said:
I had entered the London Marathon ballot many times unsuccessfully but when my partner secured his place on his first attempt in the ballot, I decided I had to join him by getting myself a charity place.
During the covid pandemic all charities funding has been severely affected and the smaller ones more so. I came across PACT and when I read about the wonderful work they do and the support they provide to families and children, knew this was the one for me.
Debbie is one of nine members of Team PACT who will be running the 26.2 miles around the streets of London on 2nd October.
She has a £1,600 fundraising target and is collecting donations to her page at https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/debbie-herridge-4cce1
Debbie said:
Running the London Marathon has been on my bucket list for ages and I’m so excited to finally be able to take part.
I am not putting any time restrictions on myself as I just want to be able to enjoy it and soak up all the atmosphere. I’m sure I will be taking lots of photos on the way round. I can’t wait for the moment when I will see Buckingham Palace and know the end is nearly there!
I’d really encourage people to sponsor me as this charity does such important work and really needs our help in raising funds. Think about donating that extra pint or glass of wine you would have at the end of the night – every little helps and the pennies create pounds! 26.2 miles is a very long way and I need all the support I can get!
PACT has been building and strengthening families since 1911. PACT creates families through adoption services and provides lifelong adoption support, it empowers women who face multiple disadvantages to make positive changes to their lives through its Alana House Community Project and it supports children to heal from the trauma of domestic abuse through its Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.
Chief executive Natausha van Vliet said:
We are so happy to have a team of extraordinary people in the London Marathon. They have not only committed to running a marathon for PACT but are also working hard to raise lots of sponsorship which will really help us to continue to provide vital support for the families we work with.
