This challenge is incredibly special to us, as we’re taking it on as a Mother & Daughter team! This is our story….

I’m Clare, and I’ve proudly served as a Firefighter for North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, for the last nine years. I’ve been fortunate enough to complete the London Marathon four times in the past, and every single race has been made even more special by seeing family along the way, especially my daughter Verity, and my son Ethan cheering me on, and being there at the finish line.

Verity is now 18, and for as long as I can remember she’s said, “One day, when I’m old enough, I’m going to run the London Marathon with you”. That time has finally arrived.

This will be Verity’s very first marathon, and I honestly couldn’t be prouder to be taking on this incredible challenge side by side with her. I’m emotional at the best of times, but this is something so special.

Verity has been a Fire Cadet for the past four years, something I think she chose because she wanted to understand more about my role as a Firefighter and was interested in all aspects of it. Watching her grow in confidence and such an awareness of helping others has been amazing, and she is currently in college, working towards a career in the Emergency Services herself, with the Police.

The Fire Fighters Charity is a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts.

Every firefighter knows that, while we are there for our communities, this charity is there for us and our families if and when we need it the most. Whether it’s physical rehabilitation, mental health support, or countless other ways, it’s a lifeline that every member of the Fire Service hopes they’ll never need, but is grateful it is there.

Running this marathon together is about so much more than crossing a finish line. It’s about sharing a dream we have talked about for years, celebrating the bond we’ll build through training and running, and raising money for an incredibly close to our hearts, cause.

Everyone that knows us, knows Verity and I are incredibly alike in the sense that we’re both stubborn and determined, but….she’s 30 years younger than me, and has a lot longer legs, so I suspect I’ll have my work cut out trying to keep up with her!

But whether she’s encouraging me to “up my game” and run faster, or I’m encouraging her through those final miles, and “the wall,” we’ll cross that finish line TOGETHER!

Thank you for taking the time to read all about us, and if you’re able to support us on our journey with a donation, no matter how small, we’ll be incredibly grateful, and really will mean the world to us.

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