A college administrator from Bury St Edmunds is set to run the London Marathon as she fund-raises for wildlife in East Anglia and around the world.
Abi Harrison, 26, who works at Abbeygate Sixth Form College in Bury, said: “I’ve always had a deep love for animals and the natural world and after visiting sanctuaries and seeing the impact of habitat loss and climate change firsthand, I felt compelled to do more.
“That’s why I’ve taken on the challenge of running the London Marathon to raise £2,500 for World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).”
Abi, who will turn 27 the day before the run, has previously completed the Edinburgh and Cambridge half marathons.
The curriculum administrator said the 26.2 mile route through the capital ‘feels like a whole new level of challenge’.
“Everyone at the college has been incredibly supportive,” said Abi.
“My colleagues have been cheering me on, helping with my fundraising, and very patiently listening to my constant updates about long runs, early starts, and achy legs.
“It’s become a bit of a running joke in the office that marathon training has taken over my personality lately.”
Abi, who got back into running during lockdown after completing Couch to 5k, will be supported in London by her parents and friends.
She said: “My brother Max has joined me for a few training runs, and my friends have endured my moaning about early mornings with lots of supportive messages.”
Abi said: “Running 26.2 miles is a huge personal challenge for me, but it’s also about something much bigger – protecting our planet and the future we all share.
She highlighted the ‘incredible’ work WWF is doing globally and in East Anglia, which includes partnering with the Norfolk Rivers Trust to bring beavers back to Norfolk and restore 20 million square feet of wildflower meadows.
