Training is double fun for Karen

From the archive, first published Thursday 12th Apr 2007.

A mother-of-two has been training for the London Marathon - by pounding the streets pushing her young children in their double buggy.

Karen Hopegood, of Rivenhall, is fitting in training around her role as a full-time mother by pushing the double buggy while she jogs.

Mrs Hopegood, 34, three-year-old Bethany and eight-month-old Emma are a familiar sight on the Rivenhall roads, and she has even bought a special double running pushchair over the internet from America to help with her training.

The former nursery nurse will be raising money for Colchester General Hospital's special care baby unit when she takes part in the London Marathon on April 22 - the fourth time she has competed in the event.

Mrs Hopegood, of Rickstones Road, is no stranger to running with a buggy. In 2005, the Witham Running Club member pounded the streets with Bethany in a single pushchair, but she had to give up her place in last year's London Marathon when she found out she was pregnant.

"It is an efficient way to train when you've not got anyone to look after your children," she said.

Fortunately, her husband James will be on hand to look after their daughters and meet his wife at the finish.

Mrs Hopegood said she was raising money for the special care baby unit because she felt it did not get enough recognition.

"Big organisations and charities get all the attention at the London Marathon, and I want to redress the balance," she said.

"Both my daughters were born at Colchester General Hospital although, thankfully, neither of them needed to use the unit."

Lindsey Harding-Payne, special care baby unit acting ward manager, said: "We are delighted and grateful for the continued support from Karen and we marvel at how she fits in all that training while looking after two young children.

"We wish her the best of luck when she takes part in the marathon, and the money she raises will be used to upgrade equipment, such as intravenous pumps and ventilators."