A father and daughter from Putney have teamed up to run this year’s London Marathon.
Terry Cooper, 68, and daughter, Caitlin Cooper, 27, are taking on the 26.2-mile challenge to raise money for Surrey based charity, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled people (QEF).
Dad of three, Terry, is a keen runner and this challenge will form part of his bucket list which he started at the age of 61 and included completing 10 marathons by the age of 70 – so far, he has completed three.
He said: “I really wanted to run the London Marathon as it is my hometown but after years of unsuccessfully entering the ballot, my daughter suggested I try and secure a charity place through QEF and luckily, I got a space. When I started my fundraising, I was amazed to become more and more aware of people who suffer from brain injuries and have needed the charity’s support.
“After an initial setback with a severe bout of Covid last year I am now back on track and my training has been going well. I am running 200kms per month and am confident I will get around the route in a good time. I am really looking forward to running with Caitlin and ticking this off my bucket list and running through the streets of London where I grew up and worked for many years and to do it all for such a wonderful charity is just the icing on the cake!”
Caitlin added: “Being a psychologist I have a huge amount of curiosity when it comes to the realm of the brain, as well as ways of creating a more inclusive society. I’m therefore taking part in the 2024 London Marathon and am proud to be raising money to support QEF in the incredible work they do to support those who have acquired life-changing brain injuries and their efforts to empower people with disabilities to live life to the fullest. By sponsoring me, we can make a difference to many lives!”
QEF supports disabled people of all ages and those with acquired neurological disabilities to achieve their potential and be as independent as possible. The charity currently supports almost 10,000 disabled children and adults annually and has recently built its Care and Rehabilitation Centre in the heart of Surrey which is a modern and comfortable centre of neuro rehabilitation expertise.
Terry will be joining the tens of thousands of runners. who will be taking place in the race on Sunday 21st April.
Sarah Thompson, events, community and partnership executive at QEF said: “We are very grateful to Terry and Caitlin for their support. The London Marathon is a real test of endurance and determination as the training alone takes months. Fundraising efforts such as Terry and Caitlin’s make a huge difference and allow us to continue providing our services to those who need it the most.”
To sponsor Terry please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/terry-cooper-68
