Heroic charity runners triumph at London Marathon

HEROIC runners from Melksham conquered the London Marathon last month, raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

Joining a record number of 42,906 runners around the 26.2 mile course around London, were local residents Cheryl Scott, Nick Keen and Suzanne Whiteford.

Running enthusiast Cheryl Scott, was running the marathon in memory of her  brother-in-law, Darren Scott, who died in 2017 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2015.

She was raising money for local charity Dorothy House Hospice Care and the MND Association, a charity dedicated to the support of people with MND and those who care for them. 

Cheryl said, “The London Marathon on Sunday was just amazing! I did it! In five hours 46 minutes, and smiled the whole 26.2 miles as well. 

“I took in the atmosphere – crowds shouting my name, grabbing an ice pole at mile 10 from a family handing them out, seeing my family twice on route and giving them a hug, to hugging a stranger who was a MND supporter at mile 23 – so many memories I will have from start to finish! The support from family, friends and strangers has been immense and I know I’ve raised over £700 so far for MND & Dorothy House. I am overwhelmed.” 

To sponsor Cheryl visit the website: uk.virginmoneygiving.com /CherylScott7

Local man Nick Keen, was running his second London Marathon in aid of Whizz Kidz, the national charity that aims to transform the lives of disabled children by providing the vital equipment, support and life skills they need to reach their full potential.

Nick said, “Sunday went okay despite picking up an ankle injury on the Friday before the marathon. The first half went okay, but the second half was more of a struggle with an injury. 

My finishing time was 4 hours 17 minutes, which I am still pleased with. The fundraising is going well and I’m confident on reaching the £2,000 target for the Whizz Kidz.”

To support Nick, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ NickKeen1

Also running in her second marathon was keen runner Suzanne Whiteford, who was raising money for Children with Cancer UK and Wizzybug, a scheme based at the Royal United Hospital Bath that loans powered mobility chairs to children under 5, as there is no NHS funding.

Suzanne said, “I completed the marathon in four hours five minutes – half an hour quicker than last year! It was much better weather conditions this year, cooler at least. I managed to raise just over £1,000 for charity.”

To support Suzanne and to donate to her chosen charities, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ SUZANNEWHITEFORD/2