Teacher Alison makes 60 her magic number

Alison Sharp decided it was an important time to test herself physically and mentally in order to support a pair of chosen causes, Dogs for Good and the Brain Tumour Charity.

The Wanborough woman has raised £4,500 so far and aims to reach her target by April next year.

Alison said: “When I turned 60, it became an important point in my life and I used the milestone as an opportunity to begin challenging myself.

“The reason for raising money for Dogs for Good is that I have always had dogs and our dog is very important to us as a family.

“When I spoke to the team, I was very impressed with them. They have been very supportive and are a great charity to work with.”

Since April, she has walked 50k of the Cotswold Way and cycled 600k in six days in Wales.

She took part in the ‘Runvember’, where she walked or ran everyday throughout the month of November, and completed the Alpe D’Huez Duathlon in France.

Alison has had the support of her husband Jim, black Labrador Sam and her colleagues at Marlborough College, as well as the 60 girls she teaches. The pupils set up a relay on static bikes to ride the equivalent distance to London and back.

“I do most of my training with the support of others. This usually involves my friends and members of the Shin Splint running club,” Alison said.

Alison has been working closely with fundraiser for Dogs for Good Rosie Blanning since she started her challenges.

Rosie said: “We are extremely grateful for all the amazing work Alison has done.”

Dogs for Good supports people with a range of needs including physical disabilities, autism, dementia, and learning disabilities enabling them to led more independent lives through the help of trained dogs.

“We are continually impressed with each new challenge she sets herself and will be excited to see what she’ll be doing next,” Rosie added.

Next year, Alison is running the Edinburgh Marathon, taking on the second part of the Ridgeway challenge and more.