HERM’S resident runner, Lesley Bailey (pictured), will this month be tackling London’s marathon-distance Moonwalk.

Starting at around midnight on 16 May, the walk continues into the night for 26.2 miles.

Lesley, who lives in Herm with her husband Andrew and three teenage children, began running when she moved to the island 14 years ago.

‘At first I did it just to keep fit,’ said Lesley. ‘But then I really got into it.’

Running is a family pastime for the Baileys, with son Jonathan already having won the Herm run three times, and the whole family taking part in the event every year.

The reason for taking part in the Moonwalk is a simple one.

‘I like a challenge,’ said Lesley. ‘It keeps you motivated. Having something to train for keeps me running, otherwise I might not do it.’

The event is sponsored by Playtex and raises money for breast cancer care and research. Everyone who signs up is sent a cap, a T-shirt and a bra, which they must decorate themselves. Men are welcome to take part in the walk, but must also wear a bra.

At around 8pm a week tomorrow, walkers will gather in a particular area of Hyde Park dubbed ‘Playtex City’ for a high-carb meal of pasta or rice to keep them going for the long hours ahead. Between 11pm and midnight, the walk will begin. It circles the heart of the city, follows the Thames up to just short of Tower Bridge, and back along the South Bank.

The organisers, Walk The Walk, do several different events, but this one is strictly for power walkers. Anyone caught running is immediately disqualified. The Moonwalk is the only power-walking marathon in the world. There is also a half-marathon, which is run concurrently.

Lesley has done Race For Life and the Guernsey half-marathon for many years. In 2003, she completed the London Marathon in four hours, 19 minutes and 22 seconds, and is eager to do it again.

‘My friend and I said we’ll do the London Marathon again before we turn 50 and we’re both 46 this year, so once the Moonwalk is over I’ve got four years to get ready for the next big challenge.’

In January of this year, when the Mermaid was closed for staff holidays, Lesley opened her home for the hungry and thirsty and held a curry night to raise money for her fundraising. This evening alone raised almost £90. Island guests and fellow runners have been equally generous in their contributions.

Lesley has been following a strict training programme to get ready for the walk, although training long-distance in Herm isn’t always easy.

‘I have done my longer training walks in Guernsey, but I did do a 12-mile walk in Herm just before we went on holiday. That was a bit tedious – I changed direction each lap.’

Anyone who would like to sponsor Lesley for this event can contact her on 711382 or through the Administration Office on 722377.