A teaching assistant from Inspire Academy, Ashton under Lyne, took on a 21 mile running challenge.

On Saturday 11th September, mum of 5 Charlotte Gage ran a route between all 9 schools in Victorious Academies Trust, as part of her training for this year's London Marathon.

The 4.5 hour solo endeavour began at Gamesley Primary School, Glossop and descended through Tameside, passing through Hattersley, Stalybridge, Dukinfield, Audenshaw and Droylsden, before finishing in Ashton under Lyne at Inspire Academy.

Charlotte said, "I was lucky enough to get a place in this year’s London Marathon and decided that for my longest training run I would go between all the schools in the trust I work for.

"I had previously volunteered at Gamesley Primary School before I began working at Inspire Academy and our children attend a Trust school.”

Charlotte has chosen to raise funds for local charity Reuben's Retreat, a charity that supports parents, siblings and families with children who have life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses or who have lost a child.

She has received generous support from local companies, Jackson's Tree Care, Hadfield Motors and Midavlyn Mortgages as well as donations from family and friends.

Charlotte added, "I am so grateful to everyone who has supported this amazing charity, it really is motivating me to do the very best I can, even when the training has been tough. I hope that I can show people that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. I have certainly learned how stubborn I can be when necessary!"

The London Marathon takes place on Sunday October 3rd and you can support Charlotte in her fundraising efforts here.

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