New Milton doctor Simon Helyar and ME sufferer Mary Corbett from Lyndhurst running London Marathon to support the ME Association and Children With Cancer UK

A PAIR of runners from the New Forest will be putting their best feet forward as they take on the London Marathon next weekend.

Attempting some-fin a bit different, GP Simon Helyar will be running in a shark costume to try to beat a world record for the fastest marathon time in a full-body inflatable costume.

And in a change of pace for ME sufferer Mary Corbett, she will be swapping her usual tandem bike for running shoes as she takes on the 26.2 mile route around the capital.

Explaining his fundraising attempt, Dr Helyar said: “Why a shark? All the other world records were too fast for me, and this one seemed achievable!

“But after a few training runs in the suit, I’m starting to wonder just how achievable it is.

“Nonetheless, I’m committed, and more importantly, I’m using this challenge to raise awareness for a cause that’s incredibly important – Children With Cancer UK.

“Every year, thousands of families face the unimaginable challenge of childhood cancer, and this charity provides vital support, research, and care to help them through it.”

Dr Helyar, who works at the Arnewood Practice in New Milton, continued: “As a father myself, I can’t even begin to imagine what these families go through, which is why I’m running for them.

“This will be my first attempt at a world record, and while I’ve done plenty of running over the years, this is by far the most exciting and challenging race I’ve ever taken on.”

Hailing from Lyndhurst, ME sufferer Mary Corbett usually completes fundraising challenges with a partner on a tandem bike under the name “Tandem Tart Challenge”.

But this year she is swapping her tandem bike for running shoes to raise funds for the ME Association.

“Knowing my limitations, I set myself a flexible training schedule,” Mary told the A&T, “which allowed for two days’ rest before a longer run and two days of payback afterwards.

“I’ve had the usual runner’s niggles, quite a few bugs due to my poor immune system and a flare which kept me indoors for two weeks.

“To help me on the day, I’ve compiled a list of 26 virtual partners who have inspired and supported me as well as keeping me going during some difficult times.

“They will be with me in spirit for each mile during the marathon.”

Before being diagnosed with ME in 2013, Mary had completed tandem bike rides in all distances, including three 24-hour races.

Over the years, she has cycled with 83 partners as part of the ongoing ‘Tandem Tart Challenge’ including twice Tour de France winner Jens Voigt.

She continued: “ME continues to impact me every day. I have chosen to prioritise my sport as it helps me mentally to take on the challenges of living with this illness. I accept the payback and plan quiet days in order to recover.”

To support Dr Helyar’s fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/page/simontherunningshark

To support Mary’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/intandemwithme