Fundraiser runs half marathon on birthday (From Watford Observer)

Fundraiser runs half marathon on birthday

4:30pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

A Rickmansworth charity volunteer celebrated her birthday by undergoing her first half marathon last weekend.

Rachel Caterer, who turned 45 on Sunday (October 7) completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon on in an impressive two hours and 22 minutes.

Her run, through four of London’s Royal Parks, has raised almost £500 for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

"I can’t think of a better way to have spent my 45th birthday," said Rachel.

"I’d like to thank everyone for all their support, messages and donations. It has all helped to keep me focussed and to have been fit enough to actually really enjoy the run."

She was joined on the run by her friend Gary Hall who was also running for the charity.

Rachel said she was inspired to run after hearing stories such as that of Halima, from Nigeria, who used to walk for miles to find clean water before she was provided with a rainwater collecting tank

She said: "It is when I read stories such as that of Halima that I know what motivates me to run.

"If Halima could walk for hours every day to fetch water I knew I could run for a couple of hours to ensure that the money you give makes a difference."

The money she has raised could be used to pay for two rainwater collectors, providing clean water to ten families in the developing world.