Hammersmith Librarian Elin Jones is hitting the streets on Sunday to run the London Marathon for the second time.

Last year Elin, 54, finished the 2010 marathon in six hours 11 minutes and raised £3,000 for Cancer Research UK in the process.

This year, she hopes to break through the six hour barrier and raise £16,000 for charity Age UK.  And she has already raised over 80% of that target.

Age UK is a new charity which combines Age Concern and Help the Aged. " There are lots of elderly people who live on their own and need help and support," says Elin, who is based at Hammersmith Library. " Age UK helps them to meet new people and is a charity that is very close to my heart.

" I want to make sure that older people have the freedom of choice to stay in their own homes and get the opportunity to socialise with others and that plenty of help and advice is available to all."

Elin, a former Chelsea Football Club steward has been raising money for Age UK by organising singing events in pubs and at Age UK’s base in Greyhound Road.

She says she is also grateful to local businesses who have given her their support. "Thanks to Wagawama, Sainsburys and Tesco for donating vouchers towards a raffle, and for Credit Crunch Cafe, King St, Reun Thai restaurant and Crabtree Pub for their display of collection tins," says Elin.

" Thanks to all my friends and colleagues who have sponsored me, I am getting near to that magic target of £1,600."

You can help Elin to reach that target at www.justgiving.com/Elin-Jones 

Anyone who wishes to donate in person can drop money (marked attention of Elin Jones) into the collection box on the reception desk at Age UK, Greyhound Road or call Elin in person on 07949 568 961.

April 14, 2011