Friends united for NSPCC run

Liz, 41, a teaching assistant at Westfield Nursery School in Dunstable, said her job had made her even more aware of the amount of child neglect and cruelty in all areas of the community.

She added: “Sadly, it happens. But services such as ChildLine are a vital way of letting children’s voices and fears be heard and taken seriously. It offers them an opportunity to talk to someone confidentially.”

The mother-of-two said she was looking forward to taking an active role in fundraising for the children’s charity but admitted this was the first time she’d tackled a half marathon.

It’s a first for 25-year-old Argos delivery assistant Tracy, too.

She said: “Every child should have a life full of love and care and cruelty to children must stop.”

> Take part in the NSPCC half marathon on Sunday July 8 by calling 01908 328060.