Search begins for marathon runner
Perth and Kinross Disability Sport is searching for a runner to represent them at next year’s London Marathon.
One place is up for grabs and branch project manager Caroline Ness has sent out a call for anyone interested to come forward.
Caroline said: “PKDS has a lot of focus on athletes who have congenital disabilities but for this opportunity we are specifically looking for an ex-serviceman or woman who has had to leave their profession due to an acquired physical, learning or visual disability.
“We are really keen to work with this sector of the community because we believe this opportunity could be pivotal in their recovery and perhaps give a new purpose to their life.
“The main purpose of the charity place is to raise funds for PKDS but just as important is the impact the training and running in such a prestigious event could have on an individual.
“We are completely unaware of what the demand may be for this place but initially we are looking for our runner to live in Perth and Kinross.
“Unfortunately we cannot accept applications from individuals who would require to take part in the wheelchair race, only because we would then have to enter an additional ballot to secure a place and there are no guarantees with this.
“We can accept applications from anyone who has a visual impairment as we can apply for them to be allocated a guide.” The marathon takes place on April 23. Carolne added: “PKDS can offer training support to our chosen runner. I have run five marathons, including London twice, and two ultra-marathons.
“PKDS isn’t setting down a specific fundraising target until we have chosen our runner and this will be negotiated later.
“We would also like to make an appeal to any local business who feels they could offer additional support to our runner in the run-up to or during the weekend of the event.”
Anyone interested can email carolineness@perthandkinrossdisabilitysport.com.