Friends in training in honour of mum

Team work might make the dream work for two Ashford residents running in next year’s London Marathon to raise money for charity.

Friends Mel Cox, 24, and Filiz Salih, 29, are planning to train together in preparation for the 26-mile challenge in April.

With the vast majority of their training taking place in winter, the pair plan to motivate each other as the temperatures start to drop.

Mel said: “When it is cold and dark, we can train together. It will be nice to have the company and know we are not on our own.”

Hythe Road resident Filiz is running for the charity Mencap, which works with people with learning disabilities, while Mel is competing in aid of Arthritis Care, inspired by her personal connection to the organisation as her mother struggled with the disease.

“My mum was quite young when she got arthritis in both knees,” explained Mel, who lives in the Panorama development.

“She was really active, but she had to change her lifestyle a lot.”

All the money will be split between the two charities, as the two women have teamed up to fundraise together.

“We have been doing some boot fairs and friends and family have been donating their unwanted possessions,” Mel added.

The pair are also arranging a music gig at the Attic in Bank Street, Ashford, from 2pm on Saturday, November 4, which Mel is encouraging people to take part in. She said: “Bands will all be playing for free, there will be games, a raffle, a bake sale, and it’s a day event which leads into late evening.”

So far the friends have raised £500, with a goal of earning £4,750 by the end of the marathon.

To sponsor Mel visit http:// tinyurl.com/yd74r4qu while Filiz’s link is http://tinyurl.com/ y7aubzr8

Picture: Gary Browne FM4922814 Mel Cox and Filiz Salih are running the London Marathon for Arthritis Care and Mencap

Ashford Probus Club members handed over a cheque for £750 to the Alzheimer’s Society