Fundraising craft fair on the run-up to Marathon

Alexia Mills, aged 27, who grew up in Banbury, will be running with her friend, Leah Veasey, 28, who also lived and worked in Banbury until recently.

The pair met while studying for their law degrees at Oxford Brookes University.

Both are now qualified solicitors, with Alexia working in Stratford-upon-Avon and Leah in London.

Leah entered the ballot entry for the marathon to tick off a ‘to do’ before she is 30, and was lucky enough to secure a place.

After Leah encouraged her friend to keep her company, Alexia applied for a charity place. Alexia will be running in aid of the MS Trust, a cause close to her heart after her father was diagnosed with the illness 13 years ago.

The trust aims to provide a first-class, evidenced-based information service to answer individual questions from people with MS, their family and friends, and those who support them professionally.

Leah is running in aid of The Luton and Dunstable Hospital Charitable Fund, after the hospital saved the life of her young nephew, Leighton, when he was born prematurely at just over 24 weeks.

Neither of the women were runners before signing up to the marathon, so their training programme has been long, starting in November.

Wth just nine weeks to go, Alexia has organised a Craft Fair in aid of the MS Trust at the Grange School Hall Banbury from 1.30pm until 4pm. on March 13. There will be craft stalls, tea, cake and a raffle. Entry by donations on the door.

See uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlexiaMills

www.justgiving.com/Leah‐Veasey