23.04.2012: London Marathon 2012 – mile 16
Like so many charities across the UK London Marathon Day is very special for us. And, as always, our runners all did us proud and in so doing helped us to raise more than £30,000! One even tweeted throughout the route, his tweets made us laugh and even gave us the heads up on when he was due past “I can see your banners I’m coming @LEPRA_HinA.”!
We were ready and waiting at mile 16 when the first of the wheelchair competitors blasted past, a leather-clad, motorbike-perched cameraman hot on his trail. Of course we spotted David Weir who made it to 1st place for Britain.
Minutes later, the women’s and men’s elites glided past, their legs and arms lithe and lean. A joy to watch these super athletes as they headed off into the distance, so quick it was like someone had pushed the fast forward button!
As the first of the club runners grew larger as they drew closer we were pleased that the course narrowed at our spot. Here the runners have to slow down ever so slightly, more chance for us to spot our orange T’d guys and girls in the crowd!
And what a crowd it was! 37,500 runners flew, pounded and in some cases limped past the LEPRA cheering station. The fancy dress brigade becomes more elaborate each year, the football dribbler, rhinos, stilt-walkers and giant fruit among others added to the carnival atmosphere!
Four several hours we cheered, clapped and waved, calling out the names of runners (especially the flagging ones!) to spur them on. For some it seems that every step is a struggle.
So often runners hit the wall at around 16 miles, our cheering station is always the first after quite a bleak part of the route in spectator terms and so we wanted to do all we could to keep people going. Going home hoarse was a small price to pay for seeing the smiles on people’s faces and the lift it gave!
To: Dan and Dan, Tom, Jenny, Lars, Michael, Greg, Tim, Claire, Samantha, Amanda, Melissa, Bernie, Ann and Ann, Manoj, Carina, Lee, Wei and Ann a HUGE THANK YOU from us and all of our beneficiaries. Together you have helped us raise more than £30,000, a sterling effort. We couldn’t do it without you!
We’ve already had a couple of requests to run again for us (thank you). Remember the ballot opens on 30th April. Interested in running for LEPRA? Please get in touch with Lizzie on 01206 216799 or events@leprahealthinaction.org.
Posted by admin 16:38 23.04.2012
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“This specialised footwear is important for people affected by leprosy. As well as preventing further damage and disability they give ulcers the chance to heal.”
Leprosy footwear specialist, Brazil
