She's no Mo Farah -- but caring Andrea eyes '˜gold medal' for 50th birthday

GOING FOR GOLD -- Andrea Wass, pictured with her puppy and training partner, Archie, is to tackle the Great North Run to mark her 50th birthday.

Andrea turns 50 this year, but instead of celebrating in the usual manner, maybe with a girls’ night out on the town, she has set herself a gruelling challenge to raise money for charity by tackling the largest half-marathon in the world!

“I’m going to compete in the Great North Run -- all 13.2 miles of it!” said caring Andrea, of North Wingfield. “I am by no means a Mo Farah of this world. In fact, I am more like the tortoise in the renowned hare and tortoise story!

“However, I work for the NHS and see many people who are not as fortunate as me, so I think I can represent all those who might have the will to compete but not the physical means.”

Andrea will join a staggering total of more than 57,000 runners from all over the world at the Great North Run, which takes place in Newcastle on Sunday September 11. And she would be so grateful if the people of Chesterfield could help her fundraising effort.

“I have decided to try and raise sponsorship for two charities close to my heart and in memory of two very special people who had a big influence on my life,” she said.

“I have chosen Hospice UK because I lost my godfather earlier this year after a long battle with illness, and I know how valuable the work and support is that this charity provides to both patients and their families.

“The other charity is Guide Dogs UK because my grandfather was blind and absolutely adored his Labrador dog, Penny. Even though he could hardly see her, she lightened his days. Can you imagine not being able to ever see your children, grandchildren or loved ones? These guide dogs provide a lifeline for the visually impaired.”

Andrea, who works as a medicines management technician, has been training hard with her pet Cockapoo puppy, Archie, and is collecting sponsorship donations for her worthy causes via a fundraising page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/AndreaWass. She is already well on the way to her initial target of £250.

“All the money will be automatically split between the two charities, unless sponsors request otherwise” she said. “Any support would really help motivate me for the big day because my brain might think I am 21, but my legs certainly don’t!”