ATHLETICS: ALLYSON Read, from Broughton Gifford, is crossing the Atlantic to run in the ING New York Marathon and will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Next month Read, 26, will be joining Team Macmillan and travelling to the city that never sleeps to run the 26.2-mile course, along with 30,000 other participants.

Read holds the Macmillan charity close to her heart and has run the London and Paris marathons for Team Macmillan, because they provided care and support for her nan and close friend, who both died from cancer.

She is looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere, and with Team Macmillan support in the UK and New York she will be well prepared for the challenge of a lifetime.

To help in her fundraising call (01225) 782567 or email www.justgiving.com/allyread - or you could have your bags packed by Ally, friends and family at ASDA in Trowbridge tomorrow.

l CORSHAM soldiers Taff Tanner and Claire Edwards are also taking in the New York marathon to raise money for national deafblind charity Sense.

The soldiers decided to run for Sense because of the quick response and great support received when they both applied to run the 2006 Flora London Marathon.

Training for the marathon has been intense, even for soldiers. Taff has helped train by running as a member of Corsham Running Club as well as his daily training.

He said: "In my job you have to be fit and keep in shape, but, there is a difference from being fit and being prepared to run a marathon. After running London in April I wanted to do more.

Both Taff and Claire did a fantastic job in the London Marathon, with Taff carrying an injured Sense runner over the finish line.

Claire has had to adapt her training slightly, having just moved to Germany.

She said: "It's strange being somewhere new, especially as I loved Corsham, but it's exciting. I've already inquired about German marathons."

Nila James, head of corporate and events at Sense, said "This year is Sense's biggest and best New York Marathon.

"We hope to raise in excess of £100,000 which will be a huge boost in income. It will enable Sense to continue providing our specialist services around the country to help deafblind people live full and independent lives. We would like to thank Taff and Claire and wish them the best of luck."

If you would like to sponsor Taff please go to: www.justgiving.com/taff_tanner2 If you would like to sponsor Claire please go to: www.justgiving.com/claireedwards2 Or you can call Sense on 0845127 0064.