Barry, whose young wife, Joanne died of cancer in 2007, pledged to run the Marathon this Spring in her memory. In addition to donating a portion of fees on each property sold this Spring, Abbeyfords is running a number of promotional and fund-raising activities including packing shopping at a local supermarket in exchange for donations, co-ordinating a raffle with top prizes generously donated by local businesses, plus sport-based activities with Cronton C of E Primary School.

Joanne was diagnosed in late 2006 with Burkett’s Lymphoma, an extremely rare and fast-growing form of cancer of the blood that affects less than 200 people in the UK each year. Despite enduring aggressive chemotherapy treatments and making what appeared to be positive initial progress to these, she died 7 months later, leaving behind her husband and two young children. “I promised Joanne that I would run the London Marathon to help others who continue to suffer from this dreadful disease,” commented Barry. “Although Joanne won’t be physically there to cheer me over the finishing line in London on 13 April, her spirit will drive me on to complete this run in aid of Cancer Research UK and I know she will be watching over me every step of the way.”

“As a local business, Abbeyfords is delighted to invest in the community it serves and our staff have taken part in local fund-raising activities for cancer charities in recent years”, comments Elizabeth Rouski, Abbeyfords’ marketing director. “There are few of us who are untouched by the tragedy of cancer and supporting Barry in this immensely personal challenge was a natural partnership choice for us.”

Barry began training for the Marathon in November 2007 and he is currently running 17 miles at each session, aiming to build up to 20 miles by the end of March. He has already raised £3,000 of his £8,000 target.

To make donations to the RunForJoanne campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/barryking