A BUSINESSWOMAN from Stockton Heath is taking on the Virtual London Marathon in aid of Claire House Hospice.

Helen Johnson, 50, a business development manager at legal firm Aaron and Partners, will run 26.2 miles through Chester city centre this weekend, Sunday.

Helen, who is a keen runner, had this year signed up to run both the London and New York Marathon to celebrate a milestone birthday while helping to raise money for Claire House, a charity that supports seriously and terminally ill children and their families.

Instead, Helen will be now taking part in London’s first virtual marathon, which has been taken online to encourage much-needed fundraising for charities across the UK, whilst ensuring participants can safely social distance.

Helen said: “Claire House Hospice does such amazing work supporting families across the north west and at Aaron and Partners we have chosen to support them for a number of years.

“With many fundraising events cancelled this year due to Covid-19, charities have been hugely impacted, which is why I felt it was so important to go ahead with the marathon, albeit virtually.

"I’m incredibly grateful for all the donations I’ve received so far and I’m really looking forward to taking on this challenge.”

To sponsor Helen in her fundraising challenge, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=HelenLJohnson&pageUrl=3