Lucy's New York race of a lifetime

Lucy Crapper, aged 33, of Nether Green, will run the 26.2 miles in aid of Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity, Weston Park Hospital Cancer Research Centre and the National Breast Cancer Campaign.

The valuer with city firm Blundells has never run a marathon but was inspired to sign up after her dad Patrick was treated for testicular cancer.

She said: "My dad used to run marathons but due to the aggressive treatment he received he wasn't able to run them again.

"He never had the opportunity to run the New York Marathon so I wanted to do this for him."

Lucy contacted the late Jane Tomlinson via her website a few months ago, to ask if she could dedicate a mile to her.

Jane was too ill to speak, but via her manager offered encouragement and asked to be kept up to date with her progress.

Sadly Jane, aged 43, from Leeds, lost her battle against breast cancer last month.

"I was really honoured to receive support from Jane," said Lucy.

"I will be dedicating miles to people to keep me going through the race, including Jane who was such an inspiration."

Lucy will also dedicate miles to her aunts - one of whom is currently having treatment for cancer. And she will run the last mile for her dad, who will be cheering her on at the finishing line.

Her training takes her around the Mayfield Valley and through Bingham and Endcliffe Parks.

She is hoping to raise 20,000 and Blundells has already given her fund-raising bid a generous 10,000 start.

"Their sponsorship is fantastic," she said, adding: "I love New York. It is an amazing, iconic place and I think the support from the crowd will be phenomenal and really help get me round."

The marathon is on November 4.

Log on to www.sponsorlucy.com for more about her run.

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