Elderly and cancer charities to benefit from big city run

Laura Bangay, 34, has been doing voluntary work through the local branch and befriended Iris, who at 99 had outlived all her family and was lonely.

Laura ran a singing group whilst volunteering at Age UK, where she played songs for the older clients who attended, teaching breathing exercises and ways to improve their posture.

Iris was a music teacher, so when Laura visited to have tea she also played the piano and enjoy a singalong.

A spokeswoman for Age UK said: “Through her visits, Laura helped ease her loneliness until Iris sadly passed away last year. Laura hopes to raise enough money through her fundraising to help fund further befriending services to help tackle loneliness and isolation in later life.” Donate at https://www.justgiving.com/laurabangay

>> Russell German, from Biggleswade, will be running for Sue Ryder as his sister was cared for at St John’s Hospice. Kirsty, who lived in Sandy, was just 35 when she died in 2014. He has already raised more than £6,000. To donate visit

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and search for Russell German

>> For Christopher Watson from Biggleswade, who has just turned 50, this will be his fourth London Marathon. He is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and donations can be made at http://justgiving.com/christopherwatson