Cheryl Corless has raised over £2,000 for the National Autistic Society by running the New York Marathon.
A veterinary nurse from Cheshire has battled sweltering temperatures and hilly terrain to complete the gruelling New York Marathon, raising thousands of pounds for the National Autistic Society.
Cheryl Corless from Northwest Veterinary Specialists, Cheshire, raised more than £2,000 in donations by taking on the Big Apple event with her husband, Paul. A keen endurance athlete, Cheryl completed the 26-mile course in 4hrs 33m, compared to her personal best of 3hrs 52m.
She said: “The experience was great, and the atmosphere was amazing. Everyone was really supportive and really friendly. The course was tough, with warm, humid weather and plenty of hills.
“We flew home the day after the race, so my recovery took a few days, mainly because of the jet lag on the way back, but it was all worth it. I would definitely do it again!”
Cheryl decided to undertake the world-famous event after researching the National Autistic Society and its work to support autistic people and their families.
“We know a lot of people who have family members or friends with autism, and it really hit home when we researched the charity,” she said. “We realised there is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for autistic people and that’s why we wanted to raise as much as we possibly could.”
This isn't the first marathon for Cheryl and Paul; the couple have also completed the London, Manchester and Florida marathons and triathlon events around the UK. Cheryl described New York as real thrill, with the course taking on many of the city's famous landmarks.
“The course started in Staten Island, took in the Bronx, Queens and Harlem before finishing in Central Park, Manhattan,” she continued. “It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’m so grateful to everyone who donated so generously in aid of the National Autistic Society.”
At the time of writing, donation's to Cheryl's Just Giving page had reached £2,055. To add your support, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cheryl-corless
Image (C) Northwest Veterinary Specialists.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
