Member Article

Local Business Women take on London Marathon for National Charities

Two North East business women are donning their running shoes for this year’s London Marathon to raise money for worthy causes.

Nikita Noël, a 28-year-old solicitor at law firm Latimer Hinks, and her friend, Ginny MacFarlane, a 27-year-old assistant buyer at Clinkards, are participating in the Marathon, which takes place on 28th April 2019.

The pair are both running for charities close to their hearts, with Nikita running the gruelling 26.2-mile race on behalf of the charity Scope, a disability equality charity, which provides information and support for disabled people and their families and Ginny running on behalf of Macmillan Cancer, a charity which she has supported for many years.

Nikita’s inspiration to take part in the Marathon stems from the recent loss of a close family friend, whom from a young age she always considered as a grandparent. Nikita describes her as “the kindest person you could ever meet”.

Nikita says that she is “proud and inspired to be running for Scope – an amazing charity that provides support networks for disabled people and their loved ones.”

Ginny’s motivation to run comes after the loss of her Grandad, who sadly passed away several years ago. Ginny said “The Macmillan nurses were amazing all throughout his treatment process, and right up towards the end of his life.”

Nikita has worked at Latimer Hinks for five years and is thrilled with the support and encouragement she has received from her colleagues there.

Nikita said “Ginny and I have also been raising funds with events inspired by the Great British Bake-Off and organising quiz nights, a charity ‘spinathon’ at the gym which consisted of 8 hours non-stop cycling, as well as receiving donations from friends and family and colleagues at Latimer Hinks and Clinkards”

Ginny said “I think everyone at work are sick of me talking about it so much, but we can’t wait for the day to come now and to cross the finish line! The training is very tough, but it will be worth it once we have finished.”

Nikita and Ginny have taken part in the Great North Run on four separate occasions and ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 2018.

With less than six weeks to go before the London Marathon, Nikita and Ginny have stepped up their training despite the recent cold weather and snowfall.

Nikita said: “Previously, Ginny and I were getting ready to start our 18-mile run when the snow arrived, but this didn’t stop us.

“We are constantly motivating each other and recently ran the Northumberland Ponteland “Big 20-miler” as preparation for the full London Marathon distance of 26.2 miles.”

Anne Elliott, CEO at Latimer Hinks Solicitors said: “I am incredibly proud of Nikita, and her friend Ginny, for their dedication to an intense training programme. At Latimer Hinks, we are delighted to give our support in helping to raise funds for Scope, a very worthy charity that campaigns for fairer treatment for people with disabilities.”

Charles Clinkard, Managing Director at Charles Clinkard, said: “Ginny is part of our buying and merchandise team and very sadly we lost Lucy Russell from this team last year to cancer. Lucy was one of the bravest, lovely young ladies we all had the pleasure of working with at Clinkards and so it is very fitting that Ginny has chosen to run on behalf of Macmillan Cancer as they do some amazing work supporting people affected by cancer.

“We wish Ginny good luck and any support you can give her is much appreciated.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rosie Earl .