13 April 2015
Hitchin mum Kirsty Ivanoski-Nichol is taking on the world-famous 26-mile course for us on April 26 and she's already raised over £1000 for the Charity.
It is the second time the 34-year-old has attempted the challenge – having had to pull out last year due to a muscle tear injury.
But she’s even more determined to cross the finish line this year and she’s being spurred on by her biggest supporter – her four-year-old daughter, Molly.
She said: “Running doesn’t come naturally to me but I want to prove to my daughter that she do anything she wants to in life if she works hard and puts her mind to it.
“I was injured last year so this is my second attempt but it’s made me even more determined to get to both the start and the finish line.”
Gruelling training regime
Kirsty currently runs four times a week and she hasn't let bad weather get in her way.
She said: “At one point there was so much horizontal rain that I thought my contact lenses were going to fall out.
“But it’s all been worth it because I’ve reached 20 miles so far and I never thought I’d ever be able to do that."
Raising money for Crimestoppers
As well as being on track with her training, Kirsty is very close to her fundraising target of £1500.
She said: “I chose to raise money for Crimestoppers because I have a family member who is a police officer and I see through them how much of a difference Crimestoppers can make.
“Keeping communities safer is a great a cause and the amount of sponsorship I’ve received shows that lots of people agree."
The dreaded runner's wall
With marathon day fast approaching, Kirsty admits she’s nervous about hitting the dreaded runner’s wall.
She added: “I worry about hitting the wall but everyone keeps telling me I’ll be carried along by the atmosphere on the day and I’ll have my family and friends there to support me.
“Completing the marathon means everything to me. I’ve invested so much time and effort already so crossing that finish line will prove that I really can do anything.”
Sponsor Kirsty
You can help Kirsty reach her fundraising target here http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KirstyIvanoskiNichol