'Bonne chance' for Sidmouth marathon men

TWO Sidmouth businessmen are off to France today (Friday) to take part in a marathon run to raise funds to research into breast cancer.

TWO Sidmouth businessmen are off to France today (Friday) to take part in a marathon run to raise funds to research into breast cancer.

Hotelier Mark Seward and Richard Hedger, managing partner at Sidmouth's Michelmore's solicitors, will run from Nice to Cannes on Sunday for Breast Cancer Campaign charity.

It is the second year running that Richard has entered the marathon and, he said: "It is a tough old slog although the coastline is beautiful.

"I think it is a great personal challenge. Once you have done one you don't want to let go of the training and Mark likes a personal challenge."

Richard heads the Sidmouth office in Church Street and has been with the firm for 15 years.

He is a member of Sidmouth Running Club and he and Mark have trained together for the event, which is Mark's first marathon.

Both of them know friends who have had breast cancer and, said Mark, who owns several seafront hotels: "Quite a lot of people have sponsored us.

"It is a change from doing the London or New York marathon and it is sunny and nice to run along the Mediterranean coast.

"Three months ago I was doing a run with Richard and he suggested I join him for the marathon. I have never done one in my life before, so I have been training quite a bit and lost a bit of weight.

The men have raised around �1,000 between them so far, with Mark pledged �690 so far and Richard nearly �300. Mark said they would like to do the marathon in under five hours.

If you would like to sponsor the marathon men, log on to either www.justgiving.com/richard-hedger or www.justgiving.com/mark-seward0.