Apr 12 - Everything Epping Forest

Everything Epping ForestPage 20 of 25money given to them instead of Christmas presents last year.They have also received support from their church - St John's Church in Buckhurst Hill.Both Rob and Jane have London Marathon best times of 4hrs 30mins.Runner overcomes flood and injuries ahead of big dayUNEXPECTED problems have hampered London Marathon runner Russell Benton'spreparations but he still hopes to raise about £2,000 for St Clare Hospice when he joinsthe thousands of other runners on April 22.Russell, 41, from Ongar, will be taking part in his second London Marathon havingpreviously completed the course in 5hrs 30mins.Russell said: "My training has been severely disrupted by a flood at home and injuries soI have not done as much as I would have liked."Up until February I was running about 20 miles per week but since February I'veprobably run a total of about ten miles!"Russell works for a bank in the City and has received "fantastic" support from colleaguestowards his target of about £2,000. Russell said: "I have previously undertaken a numberof different fund-raising activities, from the London to Brighton Bike Ride to the GreatNorth Run."All previous fund raising activities have been for national charities. This time I wanted todo something closer to home and learned of St Clare Hospice through my wife andmother-in-law and their annual involvement with the Christmas Light Up A Life initiative."Russell has so far been pledged over £1,300.To sponsor Russell, visit http://www.justgiving.com/Russell-BentonRunner looks to better previous best timeA RUNNER from North Weald will be experiencing her second London Marathon whenshe takes part for St Clare Hospice on Sunday, April 22.Joanne Halliwell, 35, is hoping to knock some 30 minutes off her previous time of fivehours which she clocked in the race three years ago.She has been preparing for the race by undertaking a long run at weekends and shorterones in the week. Joanne has received great support from her employer - MRH Retail -the largest independent operator of petrol stations around the UK.Joanne said: "The company is donating money from our dress down days and Christmasraffle."She added: "I wanted to run the marathon again and raise funds for a local charity at thesame time. Many people are aware of St Clare and the good work and support that theyprovide and I wanted to be able to help a bit."I cannot believe how much money that they have to raise to keep going and the fact thatthey manage to achieve it is really amazing."Joanne hopes to raise about £2,000. To sponsor Joanne, visitwww.justgiving.com/joeyhalliwellRunner trains by running 40 miles a weekA MARATHON runner from Woodford Green has been running 40 miles a week as sheprepares to take part in Sunday's London event to raise money for St Clare Hospice.Rachel Bradbury, 46, took part in the race two years ago when she finished in 4hrs22mins.She said: "I run all year but step up the training in January running up to 40 miles perweek."Rachel works part-time in the office at Loyola Preparatory School, Buckhurst Hill, and hasreceived sponsorship support from teachers and parents.She said: "I'm supporting St Clare Hospice because it is local. I have done a few 10kraces at the hospice before and had a work colleague who spent time there."Rachel hopes her efforts will raise £2,000 for the charity.Anyone who would like to sponsor Rachel can do so via her JustGiving webpage athttp://www.justgiving.com/RachelBradbury2012Pharmacist prepares for London Marathon5.53pm - 10th April 2012BUCKHURST Hill pharmacist Tunde Sokoya is gearing up for the London Marathon toraise money for St Clare Hospice.Tunde, 47, will be taking part in the London race for the fourth successive year.He said: "Keeping active is essential for me as I have a family history of high bloodpressure and high cholesterol."Running and exercise in general helps to keep the weight down which in turn keeps myblood pressure under control."Preparing for a marathon means I also have to watch what I eat. This has helped to getmy cholesterol levels down as well."Having a goal to work towards keeps me focussed and motivated to carry on. I also hopeto set a good example for my patients by practicing what I preach and keeping healthy."Having a goal to work towards is key to what Tunde offers his patients through the AllAbout Health programme.Research by www.allabouthealth.org.uk, which offers advice and online tools to helppeople with busy lifestyles manage their own health, revealed that four in ten Brits reckonthey are healthy - but in reality are couch potatoes.Tunde has been training three times a week and often runs home from the pharmacy atthe end of the day.He hopes to beat his personal best time and complete the 26.2-mile course in 4hrs47mins to raise £1,500 for St Clare Hospice.Anyone wanting to get fit or sponsor Tunde can call into Easter Pharmacy, 54 StationWay, Buckhurst Hill, ring 020 8502 9997 or donate online at Tunde's Just giving pagehttp://www.justgiving.com/Tunde-Sokoya0Theft of lead sparks police warning3.59pm - 10th April 2012POLICE are asking people to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity after a rise inthe number of lead and metal thefts in Loughton.Inspector Simon Dear said: "In the past month there have been a number of lead theftsfrom roofs, bay windows and porches in the Loughton area."We have even received information of people moving the lead in wheelie bins."Due to residents calling us we have managed to prevent some thefts but we ask thatpeople remain vigilant and continue to report any suspicious behaviour, particularly overthe holiday period."We would like people to call us if they notice anyone on roofs pulling up lead, or if theyare at all concerned regarding people collecting metal."Even if you are not sure, we would rather you call us on 101 so we can attend and checkeverything is in order and possibly prevent a crime, rather than turn up a day later to findsomeone has become a victim."Most often, genuine trade people do not mind us checking their identities."01/06/2012