Marathon effort for arthritis care
Brentwood Gazette, Feb 17, 2010 by Paul Ainsworth
A FITNESS instructor will be taking marathon strides to support those suffering from a debilitating condition that strikes nine million people in the UK.
Former bodybuilder, Amanda Barrett, 43, of Cleves Avenue, Brentwood, will be running the Brentwood Half Marathon in March and then the London Marathon the following month to raise vital cash for Arthritis Care.
Suffer Amanda, who is both a private fitness instructor and fitness technician at Curves for Women, in Brentwood High Street, explained: “A former manager at Curves has arthritis and a few members here suffer as well.
“In total there are nine million people in the UK with arthritis. Everybody knows someone who has the condition or is affected by it in some way.
“I just wanted to raise money for research, care and support for all arthritis sufferers out there.”
Amanda has even given the Gazette some handy tips for those living with arthritis and added: “Mobility is key to help manage arthritis and help take care of your joints. There are a lot things that can make life easier.”
Speaking about the London Marathon itself, Amanda said she was looking forward to the challenge.
“I want to be fast but most importantly I just want to complete the course,” she said. “It is also good for me as an instructor to say I have done a marathon and bodybuilding.”
People can sponsor Amanda by visiting Curves in the High Street, Fitness First – where she trains – in the Baytree Centre, or the Help for Arthritis charity shop in Ongar Road. They can also visit www.everydayhero. co.uk/amanda_barrett Amanda’s tips One of most the important tips is to keep your weight down
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