I’d like to thank everyone for sponsoring me for my London Marathon. I have to say that as the day grew closer I thought I had to be mad ever to think that I could do it. I’d done all the training and still only covered 16 miles and my 60 year old bones and joints were protesting big time.
I was not looking forward to the run – in fact dreading it, wanted it over with – I was only doing it to raise money for CRY.
So it was with fear and trepidation that Joey, three of his friends and I boarded the DLR train and set off for Greenwich, along with several hundred others, all carrying the same huge Flora baggage bags.
What a beautiful sunny day, perfect for walking and watching, NOT for running especially as most of my training was in the cold, wind, rain and even snow, what I really did not want was a hot sunny day!
Joey kindly agreed to start with me in PEN 9, the last to start and the atmosphere was amazing.
The Rhinos, Elvis, three legged runners, giant pig, runners dressed up as anything and everything all made their entrance to the cheers of the other runners. And then there was the rest of us, names and photos of our loved ones printed on T-shirts, so many sad stories, what a mix of emotions.
I’d like to think Ben was there in spirit, cheering us on, how he would have loved such a day. He was definitely in my heart every step of the way even when I cursed him as the going got tough!
The run in fact is a bit of a blur. Joey stayed with me for 4 miles, bless him, then I sent him off.
At 9 miles I felt incredibly sick, the heat I think, there was no shade. Not finishing was never an option so I started walking and jogging earlier than planned. As I walked I began to actually enjoy the atmosphere, the crowds were amazing, calling our names, urging us on, offering sustenance – jelly babies, biscuits, bananas and oranges, chocolate bars.
The sun had brought everyone out and kept them out. By 18 miles I was just walking but still able to power walk and was even passing joggers! The crowds were still lining Birdcage Walk as I ‘powered’ my way down and with 365yds to go I ran up The Mall to the finish. That final spurt found me finishing in under 6 hours, unbelievable as my aim was to get my medal on the day and finish before the road sweepers did their rounds!
At the Hilton Hotel CRY laid on showers and a massage for their runners (one pretty girl a leg, Joey was in his element).
Freddie, our little border terrier, was my sole companion during the long hours of training but of course could not take part. However, he still managed to save the day when I was violently sick in the CRY mini bus but found one of his pooh bags in the nick of time. Not a very dignified arrival at the Hilton!
The CRY team at the hotel was brilliant. I met the founder, a very special lady.
Our supporters applauded as we staggered into the bar.
The five of us who ran for Ben have raised £11,000 so far for CRY who are doing so much towards screening and research to try to prevent the 12 young lives a week in the UK who are needlessly snatched from us far too soon.
I personally wanted to do all I could to prevent even one family going through the pain and heartbreak of losing their child.
In the end, unexpectedly, I had an unforgettable day, one I never believed I could ever have in our life without Ben. It shines like a beacon and maybe will lighten the way ahead, a little.
Thank you for your support.
