Teaching sisters in Marathon training

Debbie and Katie Siggery each landed places in April's 26.2 mile run and hope to raise as much as they can for causes close to their hearts.

Katie, 32, won her place in the ballot and persuaded Debbie, 38, to get a charity place to join her.

"We never thought we would be doing it," said Debbie, who teaches six and seven-year-olds at Unity Primary Academy in Greenstead, Colchester.

"It is something we have always wanted to do - we are a bit worried about someone in a rhino costume running past us!"

Katie, who is Head of School at Burrsville Infant Academy in Great Clacton, is running to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support after the sisters' grandad was supported by its nurses before he passed away.

The sisters also have friends who have been affected by cancer.

Debbie is raising money for Asthma UK - she is a sufferer of the illness as are a number of pupils at her school.

The pair, who live in Clacton, have been squeezing in as much training as they can between their jobs including long runs each Sunday.

They took part in the recent Great Bentley half marathon and will be running the Colchester half marathon next month.

Debbie and Katie's schools are both part of the REAch2 Academy Trust and their executive principal Sinead Harper is backing them all the way.

She said: "I am extremely proud of them both and they are great role models for all our children.

"Preparing for the marathon shows them that hard work and determination pays off."

Debbie and Katie are hosting a quiz night to boost charity funds which will take place at Burrsville Infant Academy on March 24 at 7pm.

Entry is £2.50 and teams can be up to six people.

They are appealing to businesses to donate prizes for the quiz and raffle which will take place as part of the event.

To register your interest, email debbiesiggery@gmail.com *You can sponsor Debbie at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DebbieSiggery *And sponsor Katie at www.justgiving.com/Katie-Siggery/?utm_id=13