Support success boosts pair’s fund

Broomhill Junior School pupils hand over cheques to London Marathon runners Chantal Duarte, left and Lauren Mellor, to go towards their fundraising efforts for Childhood First and the British Lung Foundation. Pictured are Sophie Tyas, Kyle Kendrick and Liberty Wallace.

Chantal Duarte and Lauren Mellor have both bag-packed at supermarkets, held raffles, events and activities in the lead up to the ultimate event this weekend when they will take part in the gruelling London Marathon.

Since October 2013 when it all began, the committed pair have raised £3,470; £1,750 to The British Lung Foundation and £1,620 to Childhood First.

“We now have the final challenge of running the London Marathon on Sunday,” said Lauren who pledged to help the Lung Foundation following her grandfather’s death of Mesothelioma. “ And we will be completing the run dressed as Superwomen.”

The daring duo have received much support along the way from Hucknall’s Tesco store, The Burnt Stump pub, Broomhill Junior School who held a non-uniform day, Chesterfield Football Club, Thompsons solicitors and friends and family.

“None of this would have been achieved without all the help we have gathered along the way,” added Lauren whose motivation was her grandfather’s death.

“I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have donated to the charities and grateful for the support we have encountered along the way.

“My grandad would have been very proud and the money raised for the British Lung Foundation will help to raise awareness of Mesothelioma and in time hopefully it could be something that is curable.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and even today, there is asbestos around us, especially in houses built pre 2000.

“It is definitely worth checking into if you’re planning DIY in your house as if it is disturbed it can be very harmful and as we have experienced with Grandad - it can cost someone their life.”