MONTHS of hard graft go into training for the 26.2 mile London Marathon.
For many it is the people they are running for that’s keeps them motivated to pass the finish line.
For Basildon runner Georgina Norris it is the hospice who looked after both of her parents that keeps her focused.
Sadly her parents passed away within months of each other. St Luke’s cared for her terminally ill mum and just three months after she passed, her dad de ella fell ill and again needed end of life care by the Basildon hospice.
“Well, where do I start with how much St. Luke’s Hospice and their team mean to me? I cannot put into words how much they have supported me. They have helped me to support and provide the highest care to both my parents that have passed in the last 22 months,” said Georgina.
“There is nothing in this world that I can do to show how grateful I am for this wonderful team, but by running the London Marathon and raising monies for them is the least I can do. I won’t lie, the training has been hard and at one point on my long runs I was thinking of stopping, but it was the thought of all the families that St. Luke’s Hospice supported during their time of need that kept me going. If they can fight and try to live as much of a normal life then I can run 26.2 miles for them.
Thank you St. Luke’s Hospice for giving me the chance to show my gratitude and do something for you.”
Kevin Flower, who is running to raise money for Lady McAdden, was first made aware of the charity by a friend.
“I have had two very close family members and other friends who have battled with breast cancer, the support that Lady McAdden resonated with me,” said Kevin.
“I love running and have taken part in a number of marathons already and always look for a worthy causes. Raising funds is super important, raising awareness of breast cancer and what you can do to check yourself regularly and also what you can do to help support and raises funds for Lady McAdden is equally important.”
“I’m looking forward to Sunday, the event is amazing and to see what people are willing to out themselves through is a privilege. Getting older is making it harder, but the people on the streets of London help you all the way.”
For Chris Cook, 34, from Corringham, originally got his place in 2019 but it was canceled and in 2020 he did a solo marathon from Leigh to Corringham and virtual marathon. Last year I volunteered at the finish line with Pitsea Running Club.
“I am most looking forward to the crowd and the buzz on the day because I have not run with a big crowd like that,” said Chris who is running for Children With Cancer.
For fellow Pitsea Running Club member David Mullender, 55, from Wickford, it is all about enjoying every minute of the day.
“Everyone has said to me to make sure to enjoy the day. I have never run a marathon before, and probably won’t again, so I am going to make most of it.”
David got his place when his number was pulled out of a hat to get the club ballot place.
Nigel Pointer, event coordinator, organizes the volunteer train for London Marathon each year. See Visit www.pitsearunningclub.org.uk for details.
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism