Huntingdonshire runners go the distance for charity at London Marathon
Ansy Bassett - Credit: Archant
Huntingdonshire runners were out in force at the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday to raise funds for charity.
Louise Turner - Credit: Archant
One cancer survivor from St Neots ran the 26.2-mile course to raise money for the event’s official charity, Cancer Research UK.
Louise Turner, 45, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2005, completed the course in six hours.
After her treatment, Louise never dreamed of completing a marathon, but the reluctant runner decided to get into shape three years ago when her daughter was six months old.
“It was amazing, like running in a carnival,” said Louise. “The atmosphere was electric and I really appreciated the support all the way round.”
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Chris Skepper, of Little Paxton, raised over £2,500 for Cancer Research UK. The retired policeman completed the race in 4 hours and 56 min.
“Not bad for a 61-year-old,” said Chris, who started running in aid of the charity three years ago when his sister Mary died from ovarian cancer.
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Chris, who has now run 12 marathons, said: “Mary was a retired teacher who was just starting to enjoy life before she was struck down by cancer.”
Andy Bassett, 30, from Fenstanton, raised over £1,700 for Parkinson’s UK after completing the course in 4 hours and 2 minutes. He was part of a 260-strong team of runners who chose to support Parkinson’s UK.
Andrew Dorsett, 34, from Eynesbury, whose mother died of pneumonia, raised more that £1,100 for the British Lung Foundation.
“I absolutely loved it,” he said. “The camaraderie between runners was fantastic.”
He plans to undertake more half marathons this year and has his sights set on some even more gruelling ultra marathons to raise more money for the BLF.
