Peterborough to host virtual marathon in aid of Wood Green

The event is open to all ages and abilities as people are invited to either walk, run or cycle 26.2 miles (42.2km) over the course of a week between September 7 and 13.

The idea came from Hazel Bimson in Yaxley after she was inspired to help out animal charity Wood Green after taking up fostering for them during lockdown. Hazel and her 18-month old daughter Azalea Rose are both animal lovers and have two cats and nine axolotls and wanted to use their spare time to care for even more animals.

She said: “I was absolutely shocked at how much they do. I was sent a moggie called Furnando and he arrived with a whole car full of blankets, toys, a scratch post, a carrier and two litter boxes.

“I think a lot of people know they’re there but not how much they do.

“They don’t just take in animals either. They offer support to people struggling financially to keep their animals in their home.

“They can also arrange to find loving new homes for pets after their owners pass away.”

Furnando stayed with the family for around a month, learning valuable social skills ready to help him be placed in a forever home. They are currently looking after three mice for Wood Green.

It is hoped that money raised through the marathon can help Wood Green continue to help as many animals as possible.

Entry to the event is £10.50, which will also help pay for the personalised medal each participant will receive.

Hazel and Azalea Rose will be walking the distance and posting about their progress on the event Facebook page.

Entrants have been encouraged to do the same but no formal proof is required and people are free to complete the distance at their own pace, even if that means going beyond September 13.

She added: “It’s all about getting active and having fun, it might help some people who have had other runs postponed because of lockdown.

I know a lot of people are going on walks or taking up running at the moment so I thought, why not make something out of that?

“I’ve already had people sign up from as far away as Sheffield.

“Wood Green have lost a lot of their funding at the moment and I would really like to help out.’’

People interested in signing up can click here for more details.