Sharon hopes her run will raise over �1,500 for deafblind children and adults

A DETERMINED Seaton woman is taking on the challenge of a lifetime to help severely handicapped people.

Sharon Rooke, age 35, is in training for the Virgin London Marathon to raise money for deafblind children and adults. The 35-year-old mother of three young boys was inspired to take on the gruelling 26-mile challenge after reading about the work of Sense, the national charity which helps those suffering from the condition.

Sharon, an investment office, of Elizabeth Road, is aiming to complete the marathon in under four-and-a-half hours and has been training hard each week.

Although she is a member of the Axe Valley Runners she says she is only a casual racer and is having to considerably step up her game.

As part of her preparations she will take part in her first half marathon in February, ready for the big event in April.

She told The Herald: “This is my first marathon and I’m looking forward to it, especially the satisfaction of crossing the finish line! It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and while it will be a real challenge, it’s great to know that I’m helping to support deafblind people achieve their own goals.”

Sharon is aiming to raise �1,500 for Sense and is already around half way to her target after staging a number of fund raising activities, including a men versus women football match and a darts competition. She is holding a raffle and auction at a forthcoming ladies evening, too.

A spokeswoman for Sense welcomed Sharon’s support and said the money she raises will help deafblind children and adults overcome the isolation that they face on a daily basis and enjoy some of the things that most people take for granted.

To support Sharon visit her fund raising website at:

To sponsor Sharon, please visit: http:justgiving.com/SHARON-ROOKE

** Sense is the leading national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind. It provides a lifeline to deafblind people and their families and carers. It enjoys a worldwide reputation for its pioneering work with children, advising parents about the best ways to help their child learn, develop and communicate.

Further information can be found on Sense’s website: www.sense.org.uk