Half Marathon for Latin American charity 

A Tonbridge councillor is running a half marathon to raise funds for the international Christian charity Latin Link

Maria Heslop, 48, a Tonbridge and Malling Borough Councillor and cabinet member for Communities, is running for the charity in the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon on Sunday 21 February.

‘My husband Nicolas was born in South America,' she explained, 'and knowing Jonathan Leeson, the charity’s area representative who is a resident in my ward, I have developed an interest in and concern for Latin America.’  
 
Jonathan is a member of Tonbridge Baptist Church. He has been a long-standing representative for Latin Link, whose members work with local churches, organisations, and communities in Latin America to help them meet the needs around them.

Maria, from Pembury Road, Tonbridge, is a member of Paddock Wood Athletic Club. She took up running in 2006 and began competing in half marathons in 2007.

She won the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon in 2014, and was disappointed to come third in last year’s race when coming back from injury. 'I would love to reclaim the title', she says, and hopes to beat her personal best half marathon time of 79.55 minutes.

Maria is seeking sponsorship from local businesses and individuals. To support Maria’s half marathon run and make a donation to Latin Link, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MariaHeslop or call 0118 957 7100.