A SCOUT leader in Petersfield is hoping to raise £2,000 for the Scout Association by running the London Marathon next weekend.

Helen Coyte, who plays rugby for Wasps Ladies, will be pounding the streets of the national’s capital next Sunday.

She said: “I grew up in Liphook and am a Scout leader for the Petersfield District as well as a school teacher. I have taken on a gruelling training programme to ensure I can participate in this year’s London Marathon.

“Having played rugby for Petersfield rugby minis, I considered myself to be reasonably fit, making regular appearances for Wasps ladies in the women’s rugby premiership over the past seven years.

“However, I have found running completely different to any sport I have done before, and the task of getting myself from a struggling five-kilometre runner on a Saturday doing park runs to a medal wearing marathon finisher is quite a challenge.”

She added: “I have taken part in the Fleet half-marathon and hope I can convince myself doing double that distance will be possible.”

The Scout Association helps provide vital start-up funds for impoverished areas to create and sustain new scout groups, creating new opportunities for children and young people who need it the most. 

Helen added: “I want young people across the UK to have the same opportunities and benefits from Scouting I have had, no matter where they are from.

“The Scout Association also supports impoverished areas outside the UK and I have seen this at first hand at the World Scout Jamboree where Scouts helped to fund fellow Scouts from countries less fortunate then us to attend this major event.

“I went to Zambia, where UK Scouts funded and supported the building of new classrooms and toilets in a very remote part of the country.”

To sponsor Helen’s marathon efforts for the Scouts, visit uk.virgin moneygiving.com/helencoytescouts.