Marathon first-timers Sharon and Daran running for charities

Among the first-time competitors in this Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon will be cancer survivor Sharon Brooks and special schools headteacher Daran Bland.

Sharon (47), , of West Pinchbeck, is the auntie of Faith Robinson, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, and is fundraising for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
About £1,000 from last Saturday’s 90s disco at the South Holland Centre – organised by Sharon’s sister and Faith’s mum Gemma Robinson, Shaun Neal and Jenny Carr – will take Sharon’s total amount to more than £3,000.
Gemma said: “We had about 250 people there. It was a great night and everybody put so much effort in. Thanks to all.”

Daran Bland
Daran Bland

Meanwhile, Daran, who is headteacher of  The Priory School and The Garth School in Spalding and The John Fielding Community School at Boston, is hoping to raise £2,000 for Action For Children.

He said: “Action for Children work tirelessly to support children and the families of vulnerable children with special educational needs and disabilities.”
He added: “I completed the Peterborough Half Marathon in October, which made me realise quite how far 26.2 miles really is!”

To sponsor Daran online, go to www.justgiving.com/Daran-Bland

more >

Weston man denies rape and sexual assault charges

10 Dec 2025

Four bins for each household

10 Dec 2025

Last chance to make donation

10 Dec 2025

Many flood defences ‘below required standard’

10 Dec 2025

Jodie represents businesses in Downing Street

10 Dec 2025

GP surgery issued with warning order

10 Dec 2025