Capital run for novice

A woman with Alzheimer’s disease was among runners from the Advertiser area who took part in the annual London Marathon on Sunday.

It was the first time Mrs Elaine Moody (54) of Grove Street, Balderton, ran the marathon, which she completed in five hours and 28 minutes.

She raised more than £4,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society, which provides practical services and support for people with dementia and their carers.

Mrs Moody was diagnosed in November, 2006 and took up running shortly after that.

Previously the farthest she had run was the Newark Half Marathon last year.

Mrs Moody said: “It was wonderful. I couldn’t get out of bed on Monday morning, but I’d like to do it again.”

Her husband, Mr Mick Moody (54) and their two sons, Mr Mark Moody and Mr Peter Moody, travelled with her to the capital to cheer her on. They were also joined by several members of Notfast Running Club and Newark Athletic Club, as Mrs Moody is a member of both.

The money will be added to the £2,500 the two brothers and their friend, Mr Jason Booth, raised after completing a parachute jump earlier this year.

Another first-time runner, children’s author Michael Cox (58) of Mill Lane, Caunton, dressed as one of his superhero characters and handed out 200 copies of his books along the route.

He finished in six hours and ten minutes and raised nearly £1,000 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, although more donations are still coming in.

Mr Cox was watched by his wife, Mrs Jo Cox (50) his son, Mr Tom Cox (32) and staff from his publishing company, Egmont Press, who donated £250.

Support

It was the sixth time Mr Paul Ridgeway (47) of Sleaford Road, Newark, had run the London Marathon and this year he completed it in three hours, nine minutes.

He raised more than £500 for the Newark and District Multiple Sclerosis Information and Support Centre.

Mrs Sue Fox (44) of Westgate, Southwell, was unable to take part after developing tonsillitis.

Mrs Fox, a ward manager at the cardiac care unit at the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, said the organisers had guaranteed her a place in the marathon next year.

She said the money she raised for Cardiac Risk In The Young (Cry) which raises awareness of heart problems for under 35-year-olds, will be added to next year’s total.