A group of runners taking on the 2025 London Marathon in aid of Wessex Cancer Support, gathered at the charity’s Newport base last week (Friday 10th January).
The cohort – most of whom haven’t run the London Marathon before – gathered at the Lugley Street base, where they met with one another and got to share fundraising ideas and training tips, all whilst enjoying an alcohol-free tipple and a protein brownie.
Islander Paul Thorley – London Marathon Organiser at Wessex Cancer Support – told the group about what it means to run the London Marathon, highlighting the personal highs and lows he experienced in each of the 2 times he finished the mammoth feat before then showing off his finishers medal and explaining how the marathon works, where the runners have to go and just how much a personalised T-shirt can help spur you on.
Paul told the group:
“When you’re in the middle of a marathon, you feel every possible human emotion. It’s going to be really tough but there’s people on the side of the street who you don’t know screaming your name. In the last few miles, 21, 22, 23 try and remember why you’re running.”
Those taking on the challenge to run for Wessex Cancer Support, 14 in total, have pledged to raise around £32,000.
Wessex Cancer Support’s CEO Rachel Billsberry-Grass – who made the trip over from the mainland especially – then explained how ‘important’ everyone’s efforts are and just why people turn to WCS in their hour of need.
In a surprise moment, Rachel then revealed her own London Marathon finishers medal from back in 2009 before sharing her experiences of the marathon and how she went about raising the funds through various community and non-community events. Each of the runners were then handed their own special Wessex Cancer Support bib which they will wear on Sunday 27th April.
Speaking to Island Echo on what the funds will be used for, Rachel said:
“The money will be used to fund the vital services that Wessex Cancer Support offers. Within our 4 centres, we deliver counselling services, complementary services and run things like support groups too. Funds are also used to fund our Daisy Bus, which picks up Island patients and takes them to hospital’s on the mainland.”
The marathon, which covers 26 miles starting at Blackheath and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace, sees north of 50,000 people take part.
Speaking to Island Echo, Paul said:
“When I did my first London Marathon it was all very confusing and I struggled to know where to go and when to start. So I offered to help people looking to do the London Marathon for Wessex Cancer Support on their journey.”
Best thing about the London Marathon
you don’t have to pay a congestion charge
or ULEZ charge.
(Don’t tell Mayor Khan)
Lol