Putney mums took the Flora Challenge

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Putney mums run the Flora 5Km Challenge to raise thousands for their chosen charities.

With varying degrees of fitness and careers six Putney based Mums from 2 classes of Tower House School joined forces to join Paula Radcliffe in the Hyde Park Flora Challenge. Encouraged by Jeannie Paul their trainer these mums all achieved personal bests with their times ranging from 24 minutes to 38 minutes.

Philippa Addison solicitor ran 24 minutes raising money for "I can" a charity that helps children that are slow in learning to speak, Sandi Bloomfield editor of this website managed 38 minutes and 9 seconds whilst raising cash for Cancer Research UK, Sue Dodson a physio at Roehampton's Queen Mary's Hospital raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Helen Metcalf a solicitor ran a speedy 25 minutes, Mirren Postlethwaite Fund Raiser ran a quick 24 minutes and raised more money for Cancer Research UK and Anna Spruit Architect raised much needed funds for MENCAP whilst achieving a personal best of 36 minutes.

Hyde Park was glorious with sunshine & blue skies - not the best conditions but the atmosphere of 25,000 women all running to raise much needed money and to achieve personal goals there was no other place these six could wish to be although I for one agreed with those ladies with "I'd rather be eating chocolate….. " on the back of their T shirts! - although I have been heard to say "faster next year!"

Paula Radcliffe (on stage) talks to the throng of runners following her new record time for 5k

If you are thinking of taking on a personal trainer, or wish to join her running club Jeannie Paul can be contacted on 07958 744611 and if you want to run next year you can find details on: www.london-marathon.co.uk/other_events/flora_women_challenge

19th September 2003