A MOIRA girl is gearing up to take part in the New York marathon in a bid to raise money for charity.

Carley Chapman, 21, has been pounding the roads to ensure she is prepared for the challenge that lies ahead on November 2. The young solicitor decided to take up the challenge after hearing in her workplace that the Alzheimer's Society were looking for people to do the run.

Carley explained: "When a colleague sent an email around last December saying she had received literature from the Alzheimer's Society seeking participants for the run I thought it would be a great idea to get involved, so I made the necessary inquiries, and managed to get a place on their 'Stampeder Team'. Since then the cause itself has been in the news quite frequently and I believe it's a charity that deserves our support since it affects not only the sufferers, but all those around them."

Training is well under way, although in June Carley suffered a set back when she injured a muscle at the top of her leg.

"I couldn't do any road running for the best part of a month. I am now going to physio every other week to ensure it's kept at bay," she said.

"I'm trying to do two to three shorter runs a week, with the longer run at the weekend. It also helps to get a gym or swim session in but that rarely happens. I must admit it is proving more difficult than I initially imagined, but as long as I make it round the 26.2 mile route to Central Park in one piece I will be very pleased," she added.

Carley would like to thank her family and friends for their support and everyone who has sponsored her so far.

If anyone would like more information about the charity log on to www.alzheimers.co.uk

Ulster Star
03/10/2008