Bride and groom take on race in finery

Runaway bride and groom Donna Claringbold and Stephen Bridewell will set off in the white wave aiming to raise money for Macmillan, after Steve’s mum Maggie was diagnosed with cancer.

The couple, from Maidenbower in West Sussex, will be dressed in wedding attire, having married at Cooling Castle Barn in Kent.

Donna, 32, said: ‘It has been a family tradition to do the Great South Run so when the date was announced for this year we couldn’t believe it was so close to our wedding.

‘No-one in life wants to hear the dreaded ‘C’ word, but less than a month into our engagement, we were being told that Steve’s mum had been diagnosed with cancer.

‘It is probably one of every bride and groom’s nightmare, wondering whether a family member will be well enough or even around to be there on what is meant to be the biggest and most special day of your life.

‘Over the past year, it has been a struggle and the wedding was no longer at the forefront of our minds. But one day we picked up the phone and spoke to Macmillan Cancer Support and we have received amazing support.

‘A few weeks ago, Maggie was given the all clear, the best news you can get just prior to your wedding.’

The eye-catching ensemble will be equipped with charity collection buckets on the 10-mile course. To donate go to justgiving.com/fundraising/channonbridebolds