Runner will be taking on the London Marathon in Cornwall this weekend - starting at the Lizard

Lesley Garside will be speed-walking 26.2 miles from Lizard to her local pub in Falmouth on 4th October.

Like many others this year, Lesley was due to take part in the London Marathon back in April.

The event was originally meant to go ahead this Sunday but under coronavirus restrictions, the organisers decided to turn it into a 'virtual marathon'.

Lesley will be setting off from the village at 10:30am and is aiming to make it to The Seaview Inn by 4:30pm.

To mimic the London Marathon experience, Lesley has made sure she has a few 'guest appearances' on the way.

"I have some friends walking with me for moral support and encouragement," Lesley told Nub News.

Dawn Jones of Roselidden House Camping will be walking almost the whole first half alongside Lesley.

Two cyclists will also provide support and monitor safety on the journey - as well as a nurse who will meet Lesley at the halfway point to make sure adequate precaution is being followed.

All money raised will be going to the Anthony Nolan charity - an organisation that specialises in enabling people with blood cancer to survive by finding them stem cell donors.

From hosting a sporting quiz to hiring a professional chef at a home dinner party; Lesley really thought outside the box to raise funds for the cause.

"It is just so amazing to see how generous people can be," Lesley continued.

The rural route of this marathon will be a new challenge for Lesley as the terrain will be much more unpredictable than usual route.

Lesley has participated in three London Marathons in the past.

"My time will be slower - but I can't expect to be on par with previous marathons as it's going to be nowhere near flat," Lesley said.

Michael Oliver, the landlord of The Seaview Inn, was the first donor to Lesley's fundraiser.

"It is so nice to be able to finish in my local," Lesley added.

"Michael has always been incredibly supportive. He let me host the fundraising sports quiz there and I'm extremely grateful for everything."

A whole new host of friends that wouldn't have been able to see Lesley in London will now be able to see her completing the event.

Lesley said:

"It feels really special to be able to do it in my home town with all of my friends around me.

"That will help push me through on the day."

So far Lesley has raised £5,796. Nub News will be at the finish line to see how Lesley got on.

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