AN INSPIRATIONAL Redditch mum is going the extra mile for charity in the capital this spring as she dares to brave the gruelling London Marathon.
Sarah Harman, a mother of three, will tackle the 26-mile run on April 24 in aid of the National Autistic Society (NAS) – a cause very close to her heart.
The Bradley Green resident, despite being self-employed and a voluntary fund-raiser, is mainly a full time mum and carer to her seven-year-old son, Riley, who has Autism.
Riley, also known by his nickname ‘Smiley’ thanks to his happy and cheeky personality, was officially diagnosed with Autism last year.
“It was a long process,” Sarah added. “And when I decided to do the London Marathon I knew I had to write to NAS to see if I could be selected as one of their runners.
“They have thousands of people apply and can only pick 140 so although I am very nervous, I’m highly honoured to be chosen for their team.”
Although this is Sarah’s first marathon it is not her first time fund-raising for the charity.
The 37-year-old has previously raised £45,000 for Vale of Evesham Special School, where Riley is a student, to help fund a school minibus that was equipped with wheelchair access.
Sarah, who confessed that, despite completing the Birmingham Half Marathon, she is ‘not a runner’, is being supported by her two other children – Jasper and Thalia.
The pair are busy making beaded bracelets which will be sold to help their mum achieve her fund-raising target of £2,000.
“They’re in the National Autistic Society colours and come complete with a smiley face bead to represent Smiley Riley,” Sarah added.
The youngsters will also be lending their support on race day, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mum pounding the streets of London on TV.
The children will be staying at home with their grandparents so as not to disrupt Riley’s routine but proud husband Dave will be there to cheer Sarah on in the capital.
Sarah added: “It will be gruelling and I have no set time in mind – I just want to finish it.
“I’m gradually increasing my mileage but I know the crowd will help me – I spent most of the Birmingham Half Marathon crying, not in pain but because it was so emotional with everyone cheering.”
Visit https://nas-london-marathon-2016.everydayhero.com/uk/sarah to support Sarah and Riley.
