Cash handed over from marathon effort

Medical secretary Julie Draper has raised thousands of pounds for charity thanks to her nimble feet.

Julie, aged 48, who works in the ear, nose and throat department at Kidderminster Hospital, ran the London Marathon for the second time in two years and raised £2,000 in sponsorship.

Now the money she has collected for charity has been presented to Lynn GLaze, co-ordinator for the Worcester and District branch of Cats Protection, at a garden party held at Julie's home.

Last year both Julie and husband Kevin, 44, who live near Stourport, completed the course but this year he decided to have a break after taking part a total of three times. Julie and Kevin also raise funds for charity through many other events such as table top sales, car boots and quiz events.

She said: "I am really delighted to have completed the marathon again.

"We have both entered the London Marathon for 2009 but will not know until October whether or not we have gained places. "We would also like to try and get into the Great North Run to be held next Autumn.

"The money we raise is all down to the support of well-wishers and if we are fortunate to get into these other runs we will again be doing it for charity and on behalf of the Cats Protection branch and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People."