Rowley Regis gran tackles second London marathon (From Halesowen News)
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Rowley Regis gran tackles second London marathon
11:51am Wednesday 18th April 2012 in News
Marathon runner Linda Smith
A 64-year-old Rowley Regis grandmother, who suffers from diabetes and osteoporosis, is taking part in her second London Marathon - despite falling and breaking her thumb first time round.
Determined Linda Smith crossed the finishing line after seven hours following her accident in 2006.
Although she vowed “never again,” she was inspired to run in this Olympic year by the achievements and work of Sandwell’s charity marathon runner Blind Dave Heeley.
The retired children’s nursery cook, of Summer Road, is aiming to raise £1,200 for Visually Impaired Children Taking Action (VICTA) which supports visually impaired children.
She said "It's so important to look after your eyesight and I also wanted to raise awareness of the work done by VICTA for visually impaired children.
"I like to be fit and active and inspire others by showing people that if I can do it, they can do it."
The mother-of-four, who has five grandchildren, is a regular runner, having taken part in the Great North Run, two Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events, the Birmingham half marathon and the BRMB Walkathon.
To sponsor Mrs Smith, email her daughter Anna Webley at anna.webley@yahoo.co.uk