Leeds fundraiser Helen gets a kick out of tackling marathon tasks

Garforth mum-of-two Helen Smith, however, doesn’t do things by halves.

The 36-year-old is currently in the process of organising a charity football match which will take place at Garforth Town’s ground just a week before she tackles the London Marathon.

One side will feature a mix of celebrities and former footballers, with Educating Yorkshire favourites Jonny Mitchell and Matthew Burton among those expected to play.

They will be up against a team comprising staff from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Ambulance Service, where Helen works as a dispatcher.

Funds raised will be split between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Make-A-Wish charity, which provides days out and other special treats for poorly children.

Make-A-Wish will also be the recipient of the money Helen raises by running the London Marathon, which will be her first 26-mile race.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The organising and the training is certainly keeping me occupied but the money I raise will hopefully make it all worthwhile in the end.”

The charity game will take place on Sunday, April 16, and will kick off at 1pm.

Stalls and other family-friendly activities will run from midday to 3pm.

Entrance will cost £5 for adults or £1 for under-15s and can be paid on the gate.

Tickets can also be bought in advance by e-mailing [email protected].

The event is being sponsored by LS25 Web Design.

To donate to Helen’s London Marathon fundraising, visit the www.justgiving.com/HelenTiswasSmith web page.