Here’s how some of the Bedfordshire runners got on at the London Marathon on Sunday.
Stotfold woman Emma Jessup raised money for Spinal Research by completing the 26.2-mile run in 6h 42m 50s.
Spinal Research is an important charity for Emma since her brother James had a motorcycle accidents and is now paralysed as a result.
The charity aims to carry out vital research and eventually find a cure for Spinal injuries.
Reflecting on the day, Emma said: “The marathon was a huge challenge and the heat made it even more difficult.
“I managed to get round in six hours. The atmosphere was amazing and knowing how much money I had raised for Spinal Research and all the support I had kept me going.
“James is the bravest and most positive person I know. I’m extremely proud of him and that was my inspiration for running.”
Emma has raised £2,998 for Spinal Research. To find out more about the charity go to spinal-research.org.
To support Emma, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/emma-jessup.
Georgia Evans from Langford completed the race in 4:57:26 in memory of her friend’s daughter who had the same mental health condition that she has.
Georgia uses running to help manage her mental illness, and raised money for Rethink Mental Illness, a charity which has helped her with conditions including borderline personality disorder.
She said: “London was extremely well organised and fully prepared for the weather, and the supporters were amazing.
“Unfortunately I was recovering from an injury which happened during training so I was over the moon to sneak in just under five hours – raising nearly £3,500 for Rethink Mental Illness. I was very proud to be running in memory of Charlotte Sheppard, and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.”
Georgia is close friends with Sue Sheppard, whose daughter Charlotte, from Biggleswade, had the same mental illness and sadly lost her life in 2009.
To donate to Georgia’s cause go to justgiving.com/fundraising/sue-sheppard4.
Luke Green from Stotfold completed the challenge in 5:42:16, raising more than £1,100 for MOVE cancer charity.
Luke’s mum, Sarah, could not contain her pride, saying: “As a mother I can’t express just how proud I am of him.
“It took courage to run in such conditions and for him to keep running was amazing.
“I think in the words of Mo Farah, ‘hot and brutal’ sums up this year’s London Marathon, so Luke took the advice of the race organisers and went for a steady pace to finish.
“He loved the race and atmosphere – he said it was an incredible experinece to be part of.
“He’s raised more than £1,100 for MOVE, but I hope people can keep donating as his target is £1,300 to support a young adult for a year.”
To donate, visit justgiving.com/luke-green11.
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