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Abuse Lawyer Laces Up for Cross Country Challenge

Many would view running a marathon as the ultimate test.

But lawyer Jessica Standley is trying to go one – or rather nine better – by running ten.

The personal injury specialist, who once said she had no interest in running, is midway through a challenge to complete ten 26.2 mile challenges in ten different countries.

Through my work as a specialist abuse lawyer I have seen how the work of charities Wheelpower and National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) have helped people. Knowing that I am fundraising for them keeps me running.

Inspired by watching a friend complete the London Marathon, Jessica entered a half marathon in 2012 and built her stamina up from there.

“I decided I wanted to run a marathon before I was 30,” she said.

“I ran New York marathon in November 2015, seven days before my 30th.

“Having crossed the finish line saying I would never run another marathon, I’m not sure how the challenge then became 10 marathons in 10 countries!”

With a stress fracture caused by running on an already painful leg leaving her on crutches and walking in an aircast boot for two and half weeks, Jessica has used physiotherapy and altered her diet to aid her recovery. She should be running again in July and race fit for the Budapest marathon in October.

Jessica, who has worked at city-centre firm Slater and Gordon Lawyers for eight years, says training is the hardest part.

She added: “Fitting it around everything is tough. Marathon training requires dedication, motivation and determination – I even run to and from work sometimes but it is incredibly rewarding to get to the finish line.”

While braving heavy rain in Florence and soaring temperatures in Vienna has been tough, Jessica who has completed seven races so far, says raising money for a good cause is keeping her on track.

She added: “Through my work as a specialist abuse lawyer I have seen how the work of charities Wheelpower and National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) have helped people. Knowing that I am fundraising for them keeps me running. I have already smashed my £10,000 target as well!”

Stay up to date with Jessica’s efforts by following her Twitter account: @jess_standley

To sponsor her, visit her JustGiving page.