Sussex runner hoping to ‘Breese’ through 9 marathons in just 9 weeks!

Sussex runner is taking on the biggest challenge of her life by competing in 9 marathons in 9 weeks.

Karen Breese, 39, from Eastbourne hopes to raise vital funds to help an East Sussex wildlife charity continue their care for animals in need.

Animal lover Karen has already completed two races, including one in Tunbridge Wells, where she had the privilege in meeting Olympic medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and Team Britain long-distance runner Liz Yelling.

Karen said: "I wanted to raise money for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service because they do an amazing job on so little.

"It's also nice to try give back to the community and support something that means a lot to me - the welfare and care of animals- especially wildlife who don't have a lot but the right to live. Without WRAS a lot of these animals would suffer."

Karen has already completed the Brighton Half marathon and the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon and is now gearing up for the Eastbourne Half Marathon, the Hastings Half Marathon, Lydd Half Marathon, Paddock Wood Half Marathon, the Sussex Marathon, the Brighton Marathon and finally the London Marathon on 17 April. Between her heavy training sessions, Karen also runs Chequers Barber's in Seaside Road, Eastbourne where she says people can sponsor her or donate money to WRAS.

She added: "From having a local business myself, I've often heard and read about East Sussex WRAS and have admired the job they do, for they don't have to do it. It's people like Trevor Weeks, the founder of the charity and all volunteers who inspire me. These races are for them and the animals."

Although there is a long track ahead for Karen (more than 100 miles in fact), she remains confident that she will complete all the races and meeting inspirational characters has given her an extra boost.

She said: "It's certainly not every day I run across finish line and have Dame Kelly Holmes placing a medal around my neck. She was a lovely lady and had time for everyone and it was great to meet Liz Yelling too. I had watched Liz race only a few weeks back at the Chichester 10K and she was awesome. Along with Kelly for me as a runner she is truly inspirational and genuinely lovely person. I'm now looking forward to the next race. I often don't think we truly know what we can achieve until we really push ourselves."

East Sussex WRAS, who rely entirely on donations and the dedication of fundraisers like Karen, are delighted with her support.

Trevor Weeks said: "Having done several marathons when I was younger and fitter, I can appreciate how hard it must be for Karen to take part in so many races over such a short time. She is one special lady to be doing all this to help the animals. I sincerely hope that the animal lovers of Sussex get behind her and support her marathon challenge."

"WRAS might be a small community charity but it achieves a lot and works very hard, but we still are unable to help everyone who calls us for help, but with the help of people like Karen we will certainly be able to help more than normal."

To support Karen in her marathon journey or to make a donation to WRAS you can visit her JustGiving charity page. For more information about WRAS, follow us on facebook.

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Press Contact: Trevor Weeks, Director, East Sussex WRAS, 07931 523958

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