A disability charity is looking for people to run in a New York Marathon

3:42pm Tuesday 9th September 2003

LEADING disability charity Leonard Cheshire is giving Harrow residents the chance to see New York in a more unusual way.

The charity is seeking people who are looking for a fun filled challenge to run this year's New York Marathon on Sunday, November 2, and see the city in an exhilarating atmosphere.

The 26.2 mile race covers all five city boroughs – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Manhattan and Central Park. Once the race is over there will be time to see the Big Apple at a more leisurely pace.

Past Leonard Cheshire New York Marathon runner Steve Emecz said: "Running the New York Marathon was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.

"Leonard Cheshire gave me a lot of ideas to help with the fundraising and it was all great fun. I would heartily recommend it to anyone."

Leonard Cheshire is the UK's leading voluntary sector provider of support services for disabled people. It supports almost 20,000 disabled people in the UK, of which 67 percent are services in the person's own home.

In addition, the charity also offers registered care homes, day services including resource centres and mobile day centres, supported living, acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation services and education, training and employment support.

A spokeswoman for Leonard Cheshire, said: "Anyone interested in taking part in the New York Marathon will need to hurry as the deadline for applications is September 15 and places are filling fast. Runners will need to pay a registration fee of £277, and raise £1,800.

"The money raised will go to Leonard Cheshire's work helping disabled people lead more independent and fulfilling lives. If runners raise £2,000 or more Leonard Cheshire will refund their registration fee, giving them the chance to participate for free."

For further information please contact the Leonard Cheshire events team on 020 7802 8233 or email events@lc-uk.org.