Horse & Hound online writer Emma Thomas, 24, from Northfleet, Kent, is running this year’s London Marathon to raise money for equine charity – the International League for the Protection of Horses.
“I started running in April 2001 to lose weight as I own a young horse called Jack who had been mistreated, but at 14 stone 8lbs, I was too heavy to ride him” explains Emma, who has owned horses all her life.
“My ambition was originally to enter the 2003 London Marathon, but a place became available to run to raise money for the ILPH this year, so I jumped at the chance” she says.
With the help of her trainer Nigel Pattenden, a three-time London Marathon veteran, plus the support of her wire-haired Fox Terrier, Casper, who accompanies her on daily runs, Emma is stepping up her campaign in an attempt to raise more than £1,000.
Emma’s determination to highlight the plight of horses likeJack meant that she also forced herself to give up a 20-a-day habit.
“I run everywhere now, and have entered some 5 and 10k runs, but the hardest challenge of all has been giving up smoking.”
Melanie Edwards, from the ILPH said: “We are delighted that Emma has offered to run in the Flora London Marathon on behalf of the ILPH”.
“This is a good example of two equine organisations working together to help horses worldwide”.
If you would like to sponsor Emma, pleaseemail emma_thomas@ipcmedia.com
