Lechlade runners backed by Bremner (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Lechlade runners backed by Bremner

TV STAR Rory Bremner is backing four Cotswold fundraisers to take Paris by storm next weekend when they tackle a half marathon.

But the comedian, who lives near Lechlade, is just one of scores of local people wishing the Cotswold runners the best of luck.

Susie Baker, 40, Sonia Nuttall, 36, Paul Rosenfeld, 35, and Tracy van der Heiden are taking on the famous Paris Half Marathon next Sunday.

Along with thousands of competitors they will meander their way through Parisian streets hoping for a respectable race time.

Tracy, 39, who has four children, said: "None of us have done anything like this before and it all seems a bit scary.

"We would love to complete the marathon in under two hours, but any time will be really good."

The quartet are raising money for St Lawrence Primary School, Cancer Research UK and Southrop Primary School, the two schools where their children are educated.

Mr Bremner told the runners he is a keen supporter of the Lechlade community and wished them the best of luck.

The Crown Inn in Lechlade is also sponsoring the team and has donated £1,000 to launch the fundraising campaign.

Also, the pub is hosting a send-off night tonight (Thursday) at 8pm and everyone is encouraged to come along.

Tracy said: "We started running about a year ago, running one to two miles, then started building it up.

"We wanted to do something for our children's schools and it all came together really quickly. The Crown supports local sporting teams and the landlord said if we were serious we should take on a proper challenge and he would sponsor us."

Donations can be made at The Crown or by paying into the March Fares Fundraiser account at Barclays Bank in Lechlade. For details call Tracey on 01367 252878.