Once again The London Marathon did not fail to disappoint, with a record 40,000 runners crossing the start line on Sunday 23rd April.
Among those, were our 41-strong #teamLOROS runners, all vying to reach the finish line 26.2 miles away. Many of them had signed up as long as a year ago and the team had been training and fundraising for just as long, so making it to the start line was already a massive achievement!
Fundraising Coordinator, Andrew Ward said: "It was great to be able to be there and cheer everyone along the route and so satisfying to see the looks on their faces when they were in touching distance of the finish line; their hard work and practice had finally paid off!"
Our runners ranged from triathlete, Michele Lattimore, through entire family teams which included Penny, Dave, Lucy and Ben Masser and mum Lynda and her daughter Sharon.
Ian Thompson said, “It’s been an absolute honour running for the LOROS team - the work they do is so very much respected and appreciated which made the fundraising all the easier!”
Many of #TeamLOROS took advantage of our charity places. Others, like Kurt Read, had previously run a qualifying time and decided to support LOROS.
Richard Hamill, who was lucky enough to be awarded a place in the public ballot added, “What a monumental day it was - so very enjoyable and emotional.
"I've never run a marathon with an atmosphere like that and I'm so glad that I managed to see everyone at pivotal times during the marathon to give me the lift I needed to complete it.”
Richard Harris and Geoff Law were lucky enough to get their medals presented by the Duchess of Cambridge herself! You can read more about their story here
Fellow LOROS runner Daniel White said: "The atmosphere was amazing and certainly carried me through.
"I did spot a few other LOROS runners on the way which gave me a good push on.”
The team were well supported with Hospice UK cheer points, family and friends and support from LOROS en-route, not to mention the thousands of spectators cheering on every single runner that passed by!
Russell Gamadia’s marathon marked the end of his year-long seven events campaign which has now raised over £4,000 for LOROS.
He added: “I was out injured for Jan and Feb and was really questioning whether I would make the race.
"I crammed quite a bit of mileage into March to try and make up for it, so I'm happy that I finished with a half decent time.”
You can find all of our LOROS runners’ results by downloading the PDF file here.
Fundraiser Andrew Ward said: “Everyone at LOROS Hospice would like to say a massive congratulations and thank you to all those that took part and ran on behalf of LOROS.
"So far #TeamLOROS have raised more than £30,000, with donations still coming in.
"Well done to everybody involved. You are all incredible and truly an inspiration to many!”
Lee Axton summed it all up: "It was one of the best experiences of my life. Truly amazing!”
Have you been inspired by our team’s efforts at The London Marathon? Why not find out more about running for LOROS at loros.co.uk/run or alternatively get in touch by email or by telephone on (0116) 231 8431.
