A NORTHWICH woman will be tackling the London Marathon to raise money for Dog Assistance in Disability.

Dog A.I.D help people with disabilities train their pet dog to assistance dog level, something close to Steph Cooper’s heart.

“My reason for supporting Dog A.I.D. is my long suffering neighbour and friend Caroline, who is tetraplegic,” said the 30-year-old.

“The charity is helping her to train a pet dog up to assistance dog level, who can help her with everyday tasks we take for granted such as picking up dropped items, opening doors and much more.

“I know Dog A.I.D. is not government funded and every little helps in the quest to provide independence to people with disabilities!”

And completing the London Marathon was always a long-term ambition for Steph, a business lending manager for Barclays Bank.

“I have wanted to run the London Marathon since I was about 16, but life has got in the way until now,” she added.

“I decided to enter this year as I have hit a milestone birthday and it seemed a good idea at the time!

“I have run a couple of half marathons and 10K events but this will be my first full marathon and I am super excited!”

Help Steph by donating at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/runstephrun. Steph’s employers Barclays Bank will be match funding £1 for £1 up to £1,000.

If you would like to take up a challenge for Dog A.I.D. or find out how you can support the charity via fundraising or volunteering visit dogaid.org.uk.