Doctor all heart in marathon run
A doctor is hoping her charity efforts prove just the tonic as she gets set for the race of her life in The London Marathon.
A doctor is hoping her charity efforts prove just the tonic as she gets set for the race of her life in The London Marathon.
Kingswinford-based GP Louise Butler is swapping her stethoscope for running shoes she as she hits the pavements for the prestigious race on April 13.
The mother-of-two, who lives in Walsall, is representing the charity HEART UK, which funds research into heart disease.
It provides support and advice for people suffering from all types of heart disease, in particular that caused by high cholesterol. A staggering three out of four people have raised cholesterol, and Dr Butler says a simple blood test could identify people at risk.
The money the medic raises through the marathon will help fund a regional family support centre which will offer support and advice for anyone with heart disease and also offer free cholesterol checks. This is the second year that Dr Butler, aged 34, has taken on the gruelling challenge and has been putting herself through an intense training regime in preparation.
She is part of a 300 strong running team called "Team Red Laces".
She said: "I hope by taking part in the race that I can raise awareness of heart disease and promote the need for exercise from an early age.
"I can't wait for the big day. It was an honour to win a place for the second year in a row after this being a lifelong ambition of mine."
Dr Butler is hoping the public and her patients will get behind her bid by pledging their support in way of a donation. People can visit www.justgiving.com/louisebutler or send a cheque, payable to "HEART UK", to Dr Butler, Kingswinford Medical Practice, Standhills Road, Kingswinford, DY6 8DN.
The doctor is also selling pairs of official charity Red Laces, available at the Kingswinford Medical Practice reception for £1.
