Woodhall Spa woman to take on marathon in memory of her dad

A trainee solicitor from Woodhall Spa is taking part in the Virgin London Marathon to raise money for national charity Heart Research UK after losing her dad, aged 48, to coronary artery disease in 2011.
Megan Barker.Megan Barker.
Megan Barker.

Megan Barker, 24, from Woodhall Spa, is competing in the event on April 24 and is hoping to finish the marathon in five hours.

This Saturday (February 13) she is holding a fundraising coffee morning at the Lions Den, Silver Street, Coningsby (10-12 noon) to help boost her fundraising.

Megan, who completed her first marathon in Manchester three years ago and took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks last year, wishes to follow on in her dad’s footsteps by fundraising for Heart Research UK.

Megan said: “For as long as I can remember, my dad was heavily involved with charity work and doing his bit for the community.

“I am so proud of how much he did for other people, and it was for that reason that I first started fundraising for Heart Research UK myself.”

“Losing Dad completely broke my heart. It was unexpected and sadly, should have been prevented.

“The effect that my dad’s death has had on my family has been huge, and a huge piece of our lives will always be missing.”

Megan, who is hoping to raise over £1,750 for the charity by running the marathon, said: “If just one family is spared the hurt that we went through, then I think that running 26 hellish miles is worth it.”

Heart Research UK National Director, Barbara Harpham, said: “Megan’s father would be very proud to know that she is running the marathon.

“I have great admiration for her grit and determination and we’ll make sure that the money she raises will be spent on helping people live healthier, happier, longer lives. Megan will really be helping hearts in Lincolnshire.”

Megan is asking people to support this Saturday’s coffee morning in Coningsby to help boost her fundraising for Heart Research UK.

• People can donate to Megan’s run on her Virgin Money Giving page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MeganBarker