London Marathon 2018: North Herts runners ready for the challenge

Hitchin marathon runner Amy Gibbs, 22. Picture: Amy Gibbs (Image: Archant)

After three years of applying to run the London Marathon, Jordan Gibbs will finally get to fulfill his dream on Sunday when he takes part for Scope.

Jordan has raised £1,600 so far for the charity, which helps provide the same opportunities for people living with disabilities as everyone else.

Along with his marathon efforts,the former Highfield School student in Letchworth also enlisted the help of his work colleagues at Stepchange Outsourcing in Hitchin, who joined in with a fun day challenge which involved Jordan shaving his long hair off.

The 25-year-old has been recovering from knee cartilage damage, but says nothing will stop him finishing – even if it means hobbling around next week.

To support Jordan see uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JordanGibbs2.

Hitchin pharmacy worker Amy Gibbs, 22, is taking on the 26.2-mile challenge in aid of Diabetes UK.

Amy is fundraising after seeing the impact the disease has had on a close friend and her much-missed great-grandmother.

Working in a pharmacy, Amy sees people having to manage diabetes on a daily basis. She is passionate about raising awareness of the main symptoms of Type 1 diabetes – being tired, losing weight, going to the toilet more often, and being very thirsty.

“I’m very lucky to have the most amazing supportive family and boyfriend,” she said.

“They never fail to support and encourage me, even when they are standing in the cold they always manage to shout the loudest.

“When I’m out running, it is the thought of helping people with the money I have raised which motivates me to get across the finish line.”

To support Amy’s fundraising, see justgiving.com/amy-gibbs95.

Hitchin’s Alex Barnes has gone from couch to marathon in less than a year, and is running for Ovarian Cancer Research in honour of her mum.

Alex, who was 17 when she lost her mother to ovarian cancer, took up running shortly after she tragically lost her dad while she was heavily pregnant.

“Running saved me from sinking into a depressive state of mind,” she said.

“It gave me the headspace to think about my parents, uninterrupted. When my legs are giving up on me, I shout to my mum to be on my shoulder and drag me along for a bit.

“For me, it’s a form of therapy.”

Alex intends to “honour her, make her proud, and remember this wonderful person who I lost too soon.”

The Victoria pub in Ickleford Road was due to hold a supper club in aid of Alex’s fundraising last night, with street food specialists Cantina Carnitas and Fabio’s ice cream. She says she has been overwhelmed by all the support from the community.

To read more on Alex’s marathon run or sponsor her, see justgiving.com/alexandraebarnes.