THOMAS COOK'S PAULA BAKER TO RUN FLORA LONDON MARATHON FOR VARIETY CLUB CHILDREN'S CHARITY
Paula Baker who works at Wimbourne's Thomas Cook travel agency, is set to run the Flora London Marathon on Sunday 22 April 2007 for the Variety Club Children's Charity.
The money Paula raises will go towards the £2 million that the company has pledged to raise for a new state-of-the-art Thomas Cook Critical Care Centre at the Variety Club's Children's Hospital at Kings College Hospital.
Once complete, the new Thomas Cook Critical Care Centre will provide eight intensive care beds and eight high dependency beds providing specialist care for children with serious illnesses from all over the UK.
Speaking about her involvement with the Variety Club and running the Marathon, Paula said: "I promised myself that once in my lifetime I'd put myself through sheer hell for a good cause and that's why I'm running the marathon! After hearing about Thomas Cook's Critical Care Centre project I felt compelled to do something. My fundraising goal is £3000, so I need as much support as I can get!"
Russ Kane, Variety Club spokesman said: "The support from Thomas Cook staff throughout the UK is fantastic and all money raised through their gruelling efforts will see many sick children being given a second chance to lead a full and independent life thanks to the dedication of all the staff at the Variety Club's Children's Hospital. Good luck to Paula."
Paula is urging the people of Wimbourne to support her as she takes part in the Flora London Marathon, by visiting www.justgiving.com/teamthomascook.
Work on the ward has started and the ward is due to be complete by the end of 2007.
