Thatcham friends to run London Marathon for West Berkshire charity Daisy’s Dream

“We met at the gym 20 years ago and now we are running a marathon together,” said a Thatcham resident as she and her friend prepare for the London Marathon.

Running in aid of Daisy’s Dream, the two friends are raising awareness and funds for a charity close to the heart of their local community.

Beauty business-owner Caroline Seward often listens to the stories of her clients and many of them have been helped in some way or other by Daisy’s Dream.

The businesswoman, who also works as cabin crew with British Airways, said she has been preparing for the big day, on April 23, with a Bupa 16-week-plan.

“It has been pretty hard-core to be honest,” she said.

“I work as cabin crew and was getting my long run in whilst in Boston.

“I had a bit of a tumble and had to have physio on my leg.

“I went absolutely flying and cut my leg to pieces, it was pretty dramatic. There really have been blood, sweat and tears.”

She and her friend of 20-years Sarah Spencer – who works for Volvo at Newbury Retail Park – also held a ball which drew crowds and raised thousands.

The West Grange Hotel in Thatcham provided its premises for free and offered a discounted buffet. The friends held a disco and a raffle which was hosted by Who Wants to be a Millionaire star Chris Tarrant.

Raffle prizes included a flying lesson, boxes at race days, Lewis Capaldi tickets and even a football shirt from Chelsea FC.

She said: “Chris Tarrant was amazing, he really got the room going.

“He said it was the longest ever raffle because the businesses were so generous with all their prizes.”

The event was also attended by the mother of PC Andrew Harper – who was killed while on duty in West Berkshire. She said she was touched by the work of the charity who supported the family after the loss of PC Harper.

The pair, who say they are “ready to smash it” at the marathon will be running in style – in brightly coloured tutus and covered in daisies.