Charity runner Karen aims for a perfect 10
by Iain Robertson
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COURAGEOUS Karen Willocks is in the middle of an epic endurance challenge to raise money for charity.
The Menstrie marvel is running 10 races this month - from 5k events to a half marathon - in her bid to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease MND Scotland.
Having witnessed the wonderful work done by the charity first-hand, through her job as a speech and language therapist, Karen was inspired to take on her personal running challenge and help support their efforts.
The 28-year-old told the Advertiser, "I have chosen to create this personal challenge to raise much-needed funds for MND Scotland as I have seen first-hand the valuable work they carry out in the community I serve.
"For example, they can help people to access communication devices like the ones that speech and language therapists recommend to people.
"By working together with others, the charity contributes to an invaluable advice and support network that every person living with MND should be able to access."
After seeing the impact the disease has - not just on the individual, but the entire family of someone suffering from it - she realised the importance of a proper support system.
"I work with people who have a variety of progressive brain conditions, all of which have a considerable impact on their lives," Karen said.
"Of these conditions, I have been hugely affected by the aggressive, debilitating effect that MND has on sufferers and their families."
She added, "It is difficult to forget the first time that I worked with someone who had been completely robbed of their speech and ability to eat and drink. Everything seemed to move so quickly. It was incredibly moving to be able to provide them with a communication device that could help them get their message across to their friends and family.
"Being able to provide such support is something positive that people can do to help individuals battling the condition."
The Herculean task she's currently taking on - to complete 10 races this month - is aimed at raising the profile of the charity, and at the same time, encouraging others to go that extra mile for the cause.
Karen added, "Running ten races in a month was just something different that I could do to help raise the profile of MND Scotland. It will be mind over matter, especially when I have races back-to-back, but I'll have the very best reason to keep on moving.
"I hope that this encourages people to help me smash my target, and to come out and cheer me on when I'm running in their area."
Clackmannanshire residents' best chance to catch her in action will be when she takes on the Dunblane road race on 30 May. Karen trains regularly with the Wee County Harriers and wishes to thank everyone at the club for their continued backing.
To support her and back the 10 race effort visit www.justgiving.com/BigTenforMNDScotland to donate.
http://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/roundup/articles/2010/05/13/400352-charity-runner-karen-aims-for-a-perfect-10-/
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