Report by Matt Sacco

Members of both the Wolves Women coaching and playing staff will be running the Black Country half marathon in July this year to raise money for the Special Needs Adventure Playgroup (SNAPS) in Cannock.

Head Coach Vicky Mitchell and players Jen Anslow, Hannah Williams, Leanne Rimmer and Amber Quick, plus ex player Chloe Jones and Amber's partner John Fellows are running the Wolverhampton half-marathon on the 7 July to raise money for the charity in memory of Deeanna Gudgin, a friend of Vicky's family. Deanna suffered from autism and muscular dystrophy, and tragically passed away in October last year aged just 12, after being diagnosed with cancer.

Deeanna, her parents and carers spent time at SNAP, a self funding organisation devoting time to autistic children and their families. Their Special Needs Adventure Playground has been designed specifically for children with special needs and has been running successfully in Cannock since June 2003.

Speaking at the event, Vicky Mitchell said how she was inspired by Deeanna's story: "It's clear to see that SNAPS has not only enhanced children's creativity and fun, but has also helped parents to have some much needed rest. The Girls and I cannot wait to take up the challenge of the half marathon to help raise money for SNAPS, and for the remembrance of such a lovely child who has certainly inspired us"

Running a half-marathon is no mean feat, and it's not a decision you can take lightly. To find out what got the ball rolling I spoke to some of the players after the Northampton game:

Who came up with the idea to do a half-marathon?

LEANNE RIMMER: "Our coach Vicky Mitchell approached the team about doing the half marathon for charity because it was something close to her heart and wanted to do something in memory of Deeanna. Vicky contacted us all and we volunteered because we liked the idea of doing something for a good cause".

JEN ANSLOW:  "I thought it would be a good idea to set ourselves this challenge and picked out the marathon that we're going to do, I spoke to Vick about it and that's when she sent the text out".

What made you decide to take part?

HANNAH WILLIAMS: "I think it's such a good cause really, to raise money, and also running a half marathon will be a good life experience and a good challenge".

JEN ANSLOW: "It's something to set your mind to and something you try to work towards"

LEANNE RIMMER: "For me, well I've always wanted to push myself fitness-wise, but also my Auntie works in a special needs school, where I've done some work experience. When I found out that Deeanna suffered with Autism before passing away following a battle with cancer, - which has been in my family - it actually touched home quite a lot so it will be good for me to do it".

Have any of you run a half marathon before?

HANNAH WILLIAMS: "I used to do cross country when I was at school but I haven't done anything like that in years!"

LEANNE RIMMER: "No, I've never run more than six miles in my life!"

JEN ANSLOW: "I did seven yesterday!  I've run a few 10 K's before, over the summer before pre-season just for something to do! But a half marathon is double that distance..."

What are you doing to prepare for the event?

JEN ANSLOW: "I've always done running so it's just a case of extending my distances. Also I have a friend that runs marathons so I've asked him for a few tips and he's helping me out a little bit".

HANNAH WILLIAMS: "Yet to start! Ha! How am I going to approach it? I don't know!"

LEANNE RIMMER: "I've been told to start on getting used to the distance, and then working on my speed, I've never run this distance before so I'm just focussing on being able to run the distance".

I'll be keeping up with the girls as they continue with their training and will keep you updated every 4 weeks with interviews.

 If you'd like to sponsor Wolves Women for their charity run, you can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/wolvesrun4deeanna