A LOCAL boutique owner will take part in a popular running event to raise money for Breast Cancer Now.

Lara Belle Bridal Boutique’s owner, Faye Clarke, is aiming to raise £600 for the charity by running the AJ Bell Great North Run half-marathon next September.

Faye will also make a £25 donation to the charity on behalf of each bride who purchases a wedding dress this October.

Faye said: “I am not going to lie, I am petrified at the thought of the half marathon as I am far from a runner.

“However, this is what this is about. Ladies and men who are fighting breast cancer are facing the biggest challenge of their life, so it really is the least I can do.”

Faye has chosen to support and bring awareness to the breast cancer cause due to her mum’s own experience battling the illness.

She said: “I have chosen Breast Cancer Now as my mum received breast cancer care through Frenchay and Musgrove Hospital, both of which were incredible and we are lucky enough to have my mum fit and well.

“And most recently I have had a bride in the boutique who has been going through breast cancer treatment.

“Frighteningly enough, her best friend is also going through treatment as well at such a young age and in such a close environment it brings home to you that we need to keep fighting this awful illness.

“With October being Breast cancer awareness month, I will be making a donation to the fund, on behalf of each bride that says ‘yes’ to their dream dress this October.”

Prior to opening the boutique, Faye worked for her family business at The Cleve, Wellington, managing weddings for approximately 20 years until the venue stopped hosting nuptials in 2018.  

She said: “That was when I fell in love with everything weddings and dreamed of opening a bridal boutique.

“I’ve always loved fashion and the joy that it can to bring to people.”

After covid, Faye says she decided to pursue her dreams and open the bridal boutique.

She added: “When covid hit and changed the face of our business and life for everyone, it became the time to really start following your dreams, so Lara Belle was born.

“The boutique is named after my cousin who at the time was a junior doctor in the ICU units in London dealing with covid patients, so it all felt very apt.” 

Faye will be running the AJ Bell Great North Run half marathon on September 7 next year.

She is also in the process of organising future events between now and September to increase awareness of the illness and raise money for Breast Cancer Now.

To find Faye’s donation page or to discover future events, visit the Lara Belle Bridal Boutique website https://www.larabellebridal.com/ or visit @larabellebridal on Instagram.

Faye’s client and her friend are documenting their journey with breast cancer on Instagram @BreastofFriends