The wife of Cardiff City player Michael Oakes is chasing her own dream of sporting glory running in the London Marathon to raise money for national charity Shaw Trust.
Mhari Oakes has been training hard with Michael at her side to get fit for her dream race on Sunday.
"Michael has had his moment of glory at Wembley last Sunday now its my turn," said Mhari, 30, who will leave him to babysit their 15 month old daughter Cameron, when she runs in
"Michael is really proud of me and hopes to be on the finishing line cheering me on with Cameron.
"He has been incredibly supportive. He has helped out with babysitting and cycled alongside me during some of my training runs, though he did have to stop a couple of times when I ran 22 miles last week.
"For once in my life I think I'm fitter than him!" laughed Mhari, who has enjoyed running since she was a schoolgirl.
"I gave up for a year when I had Cameron but started training for the marathon on December 28th a day after her first birthday.
"Lots of people said I didn't have enough time to get fit enough but when I asked Michael he was really encouraging and positive and said he believed I could do it.
Mhari was very keen to run in support of national charity Shaw Trust, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence.
"I heard about them from my best friend who works for the Trust, I really admire the good work they do and the fact that they help so many people of all ages with many diverse problems.
"It has been my lifetime dream to run the London Marathon and I'm just so excited and pleased to be running for Shaw Trust.
Mhari praised players and coaches at
"It's been hard work and a big commitment but I've really enjoyed the training and it'll be a huge achievement if I make it.
"I may run more marathons but I'm not sure ask me how I feel when I cross the finishing line on Sunday."
To make donations please log on to www.justgiving.com/mharioakes
NOTES TO EDITORS
*PHOTOCAP: Mike and Mhari Oakes line up for sporting glory
1. For further details, please contact Becky Gammon on 07779 784901 Or you can email: crucialpr@shaw-trust.org.uk
2. Shaw Trust is a national charity, formed in 1982, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels.
3. Across the
