Apr 12 - Everything Epping Forest

Everything Epping ForestPage 16 of 25He said: "I had to join a gym at the end of the winter to get some miles in because I reallydidn't like running around the forest in the cold and wet."I did actually get up to 13 miles by November but I then tore a calf muscle and had norunning at all for five weeks."When I restarted in the New Year I started all over again. I ran a half marathon atSilverstone in March in 2hrs 1min and I've since got up to 20 miles around Epping Forestor Harlow."Mr Tisdale's fundraising efforts have been well supported by colleagues at Roding ValleyHigh School where he has three experienced marathon running friends who have givenhim plenty of support and advice.He added: "Unfortunately they are all significantly faster and better organised than me, soI often find them shaking their heads in dismay as I tell them about my training times anddistances!"Students who pledge sponsorship will see their money go to the Essex charity Out&About, which works with disabled children.Mr Tisdale has supported St Clare Hospice before having participated in fund raising forthe charity through student initiatives at school.He is also on the committee at Hemnall Street Social Club in Epping which has chosen StClare as one of its nominated charities.He said: "Supporting a local charity seems to me to be the most obvious way of offeringsomething back to our community and recognising the work of so many dedicatedpeople."I went to watch the marathon with friends at the Isle of Dogs in 2006 and it wasinspirational. I went home determined to run it myself and entered the ballot every year forfive years without success."Last October I finally received confirmation that I had been given a place this year andthat afternoon I went out for my first 2.5-mile run."The training has been as difficult but it has made me a healthier, thinner person who hasproved to himself that major challenges can be met."I'm proud to be able to offer St Clare Hospice my support for the work they do inextremely challenging circumstances themselves."Nineteen runners are taking part in the London Marathon this year for St Clare Hospice.Between them they hope to raise £22,000, which could fund six patients in the hospice'sin-patient unit for a whole week.Motorist admits road death charge3.10pm - 16th April 2012A MOTORIST has pleaded guilty to killing a Chigwell motorcyclist in Abridge 21 monthsago through careless driving.The collision happened when a Yamaha motorcycle was struck by a Ford Fiesta onOngar Road, near Stapleford Airfield, at 7pm on Friday, July 23, 2010.The motorcyclist, 21-year-old Liam Sargeant, of Lambourne Road, Chigwell, died.The car driver, Joseph Thomas, was arrested at the scene and in August 2011 wascharged with a motoring offence.At Chelmsford Crown Court today (Monday) the 24-year-old sales assistant of MillbankAvenue, Ongar, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.He has been released on court bail prior to his sentencing during the week commencingMonday, May 14.Tree carver demonstrates his skills2.59pm - 16th April 2012A PROFESSIONAL tree carver was among those taking part in community activitiesorganised by Life Church Epping over the Easter weekend.The church invited Simon O'Rourke, from Wrexham, to demonstrate his skills.The bulk of his carving was undertaken in Epping High Street with his carvings completedduring the Easter Sunday Fun Day run by Life Church at Epping Hall.The front of the oak carving at first glance is a picture of Jesus, but interwoven in theimage is an Easter scene of Calvary, with clouds above, three crosses on the hill, theroad leading to the hill, his disciples looking on from a distance, the roman centurion toside and a dove blended with one of Jesus' hands.On the back of the carving is a lamb and a verse from the Bible saying "Look the Lamb ofGod" from John 1:29.The carving is on display in The Box in Epping High Street and Life Church is holding asilent auction for the carving over the next month with the money raised going to 'TheBox'.For more information and images of the carving and to submit a bid, visitwww.lifechurchepping.org.ukFor more information on Simon O'Rourke's tree carving, visit www.treecarving.co.ukSimon O'Rourke at work click here and the finished tree carving click hereRunners support The Dream Factory12.31pm - 15th April 2012MORE than 60 runners took part in Loughton Town Council's annual fun run which wasraising money for The Dream Factory charity.Runners followed a 4km course around the Roding Valley recreation ground in Loughtonon Sunday morning (April 15).Among them were relatives of Joan Innis, Loughton Town Council's longest-servingmember of staff, who died suddenly on Maundy Thursday.Also taking part in the run - the third to be held by the town council - were actress andtelevision presenter Lisa Nash and former WBO featherweight boxing champion ColinMcMillan.Lisa, who was the first woman to cross the finishing line, was joined in the run by hereight-year-old daughter Tanai.The race was won by Alistair Blundey, from Loughton Athletic Club, with Charlie Maloneysecond and Roding Valley High School pupil Freddy Casford third.Proceeds from the event will go to The Dream Factory, the locally-based charity formedby Epping mother Avril Mills in January 2008 to brightening the lives of severely ill youngpeople by making their dreams come true.The Dream Factory trustee Martin Bye, who attended the event with charity volunteer LisaWimborne, said: "We are delighted that the town council has chosen The Dream Factoryagain as the beneficiary of the run fun proceeds."We are currently working on fulfilling the dreams of another 17 children so to continuethis great work we need to get as much support as possible."For a slideshow of pictures from the fun run click hereMarathon run in memory of relatives01/06/20129.11am - 15th April 2012A RUNNER in this year's London Marathon will be running in memory of two relatives