A CRACKING time was had by all during an Easter fair in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

Emma Smith, 35, organised the event at Christ Church Community Hall yesterday as part of her fundraising to support her efforts for the London Marathon, which she’ll be running on Sunday, April 26.

Emma is taking part and raising money for the charity because her father, Julian Pike, 61, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year.

“I didn’t know much about Parkinson’s until my father was diagnosed but we regularly call the charity to ask for advice,” said Emma, a logistics assistant with Aldi.

“My dad is chuffed that I’m running the marathon, it has really motivated him and he’s looking forward to cheering me on, along with my family.”

Businesses, including Cineworld, The Core and Next Generation swimming, have supplied prizes for the event and Aldi has donated a number of chocolate bunnies.

“Everything is going amazing well and I’ve had a lot of support from family, friends and the community in general," said Emma.

“It’s so heartening that even though people are struggling, they are still able to be generous when it comes to helping out a good cause.

“I had set a fundraising target of £1,900 for the charity but I’ve already smashed it, raising over £2,000. So, anything extra that comes in now would be a great benefit.”

Emma, who lives in Lansdown Road with husband Phil, 40, and daughters Millie, five, and Daisy, two, has been training hard for the 26-mile charity challenge.

“At the beginning I just wanted to finish and now as things have progressed I’d like to be able to do it in under five hours,” she said.

“My family have been really amazing in giving me support, although my children now think that every time I’m leaving the house that I’m off out for a run.”

Emma, who is a runner with Swindon running group Slinn Allstars, is looking forward to completing the marathon.

She said: “I’m feeling fit and more convinced that I’ll finish it.

“Preparations for the marathon and the charity event are going very well and I’m looking forward to supporting the charity.”

To sponsor Emma visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmmaSmithLondonMarathon