Wotton runner to take part in London Marathon in memory of t

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Wotton runner to take part in London Marathon in memory of teenage cousin

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WHEN Andrew Derham runs the London Marathon next month, he will carry with him the memory of his 15-year-old cousin who had her life cruelly cut short.

The Wotton resident is running for the Samantha Dixon Brain Tumour Trust in memory of Lucinda Davis, his cousin who died within weeks of being diagnosed with a fast growing tumour just over two years ago.

Lucinda was misdiagnosed with meningitis and died during an operation aged 15.

Andrew, 46, said the experience made him re-assess his life and he decided he needed to get fit so he entered the Stroud Half Marathon raising money for the same charity.

"I have two young children and you just take stock of your life when something like that happens. I thought I have got to get fit, so I started the running."

When the Trust asked for runners to enter the London Marathon he put his name down and started his training at the start of this year.

He said the cold weather in January made running difficult but he thinks he is back on track, running around 15 miles several times a week.

"I’m finding it tough, my muscles ache all the time, but I’m on schedule to be running 22 miles before the event," said Andrew, a delivery officer manager for Royal Mail in Cirencester.

Entering the event has meant a huge commitment, with around eight or nine hours a week devoted to training.

The former Wotton postman is hoping to complete the race in around four hours and 15 minutes.

Sponsorship forms are available at Wotton Farm Shop, Chipping Manor Dental Practice, the shop at Cotswold Edge Golf Club and at Mungo’s in Wotton where owner Jacqui Moore, who is also Andrew’s sister, is holding a tea party this month to help raise money.

The tea party will take place at the shop in Long Street, weather permitting, on Friday, March 25, from 2pm to 5pm.

You can also donate online at http://www.justgiving.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and searching Andrew Derham.