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A marathon running mum is encouraging people to sign up to her aerobics event in aid of a baby bereavement charity.
Supply English teacher Lisa Buckler is hosting the two hour keep fit session this Friday, which will be run by experienced instructors Elisa Ellis and Megan Bates.
The event, at Deal Welfare Club, is ahead of her final challenge on Sunday, April 28, when the 38 year old sets off on the London Marathon.
The former Goodwin Academy teacher’s efforts are for The Lullaby Trust, a charity which supports families affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes safer sleeping of little ones. It is a charity close to her heart as a lover of all children.
She said: "Running the London marathon has always been a dream for me and to run it whilst raising money for such a worthwhile charity means such a lot to me.
"The services this charity provides are incredible, they do so much but can’t survive without regular donations, this is why I’m aiming to earn this incredible figure for them."
Having already completed two marathons in the past the seasoned runner is battling achilles tendonitis.
She has been building up her stamina again through weights and strength work and by attending classes run by Elisa’s business, Elisa Ellis Fitness.
She is now achieving distances of 18 miles, but matter how much training she puts in before April, she knows that when she reaches the renowned 19 miles crunch point, what will pull her through is her commitment to fundraising and the help of all those supporters who have backed her so far.
“It’s at that point when your legs start wobbling and you start to feel sick. It becomes a mind game then,” she said.
Despite the gruelling effect a marathon has on her body, the mum to Ellie, seven and Hope, four, and wife of mechanic Richard, said it’s the challenge she loves most about marathon running - particularly the fundraising.
“When you hear about the amount you have to raise for the charity it can be daunting. I have to raise £1,800, but I have already raised over £2300.” She has done this through holding events so she doesn’t have to ask people to sponsor her.
With the help of Tracy Ridyard, a race night at Mongeham Village Hall raised more than £400. Daughter Ellie’s school, St Mary’s Catholic Primary, held a non-uniform day and allowed Lisa to hold a cake sale, raising £300. Mrs Buckler also held a Halloween event at Mongeham Village Hall in October.
Her momentum has been fuelled thanks to sponsorship from local businesses Walmer Installations, Elisa Ellis Fitness and South Court Garage where husband Richard works. Their logos are printed on her training top.
Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Tesco have donated raffle prizes and Sainsbury’s are donating refreshments for Friday’s aerobic event.
The keep fit night will include a popular Legs Bums and Tums section and dance fitness and pybox.
Lisa said: “Both Elisa and Megan are fantastic instructors. We will have a great time and they will make it great fun while we raise funds for charity. Plus a bar is open so people can make a night of it.”
To help Lisa support The Lullaby Trust, you can sponsor her at her online fundraising page. To find out more about the Lullaby Trust, see lullabytrust.org.uk