Rye barber's double marathon challenge for sister

A Rye barber running two marathons this year is doing them in honour of her sister who died before she was able to do it herself.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Apr 2016, 17:18 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2016, 17:22 BST

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Renee Shanks with her trophy from the Hastings half-marathonRenee Shanks with her trophy from the Hastings half-marathon
Renee Shanks with her trophy from the Hastings half-marathon

Gentlemen’s Quarters Barber Shop’s Renee Shanks is running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, April 24, and TCS New York City Marathon in November.

The 47-year-old from Peasmarsh was able to get places for both races but is still raising money for Pilgrims Hospices for the care her sister Michelle Hanson received when she was battling cancer last year.

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Renee’s brother Joe Hanson ran the London marathon in Michelle’s place but the hairdresser now wants to give it a go herself after previous successes at the Hastings half-marathon.

“I’ve only been running for three or four years properly but watching Joe do it inspired me and Michelle passing away made me think to run and get a ballot place,” she said.

“It’s quite exciting in a funny way – I just try not to think beyond 20 miles!”

Renee runs often with Rye Runners who were astonished by her getting to run the New York City marathon, but she said it was down to her sister watching over her.

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To donate to Renee’s cause, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com.

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