Five-strong team raise cash to aid research

THERE will be no equine help for a former Met mounted policeman when he returns to the streets of the capital this weekend to take part in a charity run in memory of his wife Joan, who died earlier this year.

Devoted husband Martin Taggart, from Sampford Peverell, has assembled a family team to join him on the run.

The five-strong ‘Team Taggart’ hopes to raise £2,250 for Kidney Research UK. It is made up of Martin, daughter Penny, 27, and her boyfriend Phil Bayliss, 29, and friends Ceri and Will.

Sixty-five-year-old former police officer Martin has been training every day before taking part in the Richmond River Run, his first long-distance run for more than 50 years.

It taking place on Sunday, starting at Kew Green, running along the Embankment, and covering more than 10km.

“I used to ride police horses around that area when I worked for the Metropolitan Police, so I have come completely full circle,” Martin said.

“It is a fascinating challenge for me. I hope this event will help raise awareness of the great work carried out by the charity as well as provide research funds for the prevention and cure of kidney diseases.”

Joan was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 1983, and in the following years she become a dialysis patient until she received a suitable kidney in 2001.

She enjoyed eight years of good health after the surgery, and Martin said: “Joan threw away all diet sheets, was able to visit her elderly mother in Scotland, went on holiday to France, New York, Mauritius and Tenerife, and even took golf lessons.

“Most important, she could see her two daughters grow into lovely young ladies. Joan absolutely cherished that kidney.”

Despite her kidneys functioning properly at the time, sadly, the family lost their loving mum in February from a non-kidney-related condition, at the age of 65.

Martin said: “I used to be a sprinter when I was younger. I won a few trophies when I was in the police but that was several years ago. I am looking forward to the run because I have run the same distance between Sampford Peverell and Burlescombe, so I know I can do it.

“On the day we are each going at our own pace, which will give the others a chance to finish early and have the welcoming party ready for when I finish — which will include my sister, who is coming over from America.”

Martin said he had received marvellous support from friends at Tiverton Golf Club, and that he had also been surprised by the generosity of those pledging support on the web.

He said: “In the space of about an hour this morning, we got around £100 pledged through our JustGiving web page.

“Phil works in the City, and his firm Legal and General have offered to match us by donating £1 for every £3 raised up to a value of £750.”

Anyone who would like to support Team Taggart in reaching its fundraising target, and help to raise vital funds for Kidney Research UK, is asked to visit either www.kidneyresearchuktributes.org/JoanTaggartTributeFund or www.justgiving.com/JoanTaggart