Congratulations to all our 2011 marathon runners - you did us proud!
If you are interested in running the 2012 London Marathon for us, please see the details below...
One of our marathon runners, Geraldine Dewick, tells of the experience: 'I had the most amazing day on Sunday. It was incredibly emotional, the climax to 8 months of tough training. It was so tough but so rewarding. When I was struggling at mile 17 what kept me going was that I was doing this for Keech - such a fantastic cause and the amazing support from the spectators the entire 26 miles course kept me going. I have fulfilled a lifelong ambition and raised a tremendous amount of money for Keech thanks to my incredibly generous friends and family. I am so proud.'
Another of our runners, Jamie Hull, said: 'It was an absolutely epic day and very inspiring. The buzz at the start of the marathon was incredible, with Rob (Kearney) and I jammed in like cattle amongst 36,000 other runners. But as the day wore on gradually and more people finished, the atmosphere became a lot calmer. I basically gave it my best shot throughout the route and power walked my way straight through. The heat on the capital's streets was intense for this time of year, causing a few problems with heat-rash and blisters. Although, the sheer volume of spectators lining the barriers was amazing, and they helped to spur us on throughout the day; cheering us and waving colourful flags and banners to motivate us all the way. The music, DJ's and Bands were something else, too and i'll never forget the variety of music I heard at different stages along the 26.2 mile route.
'It was slightly surreal when I finished at around 6pm, as the tranquil scene at the finish line was in complete contrast to when I started. The marathon was a double success for me: Despite my own injuries from the plane crash in 2007, I managed to cross the finish-line in 7 hrs 57 mins flat, which was 3 minutes under my 8 hour personal target; and as a result of all my hard work fundraising for Keech Hospice Care, I've gathered over £2,800 in sponsorship.
'I owe my place in the marathon to my good friend, Desmond Stockdale, who also ran for Keech on the day. He came bounding past me like a Silverback Gorilla in the jungle of runners, within a mile of the start. I believe Des clocked an impressive 5 hours to the finish.
'All in all, I had an amazing and memorable day, with Rob working tirelessly as my wing-man fetching bottles of water and Lucozade from the side-lines, allowing me to focus intently on my personal rhythm and pace throughout. I wish to say a huge thankyou to everyone who already supported my fundraising for Keech. If anyone still wishes to sponsor me - it's not too late! Simply go to my Virgin Money Giving sponsor page online: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamieHull '
If you didn't run for us this year but are interested in joining us in 2012 please read on... The ballot is now open to enter the 2012 London Marathon. Take a look at the official Virgin London Marathon site for more details, then get in touch with us to see how you can turn your feat into fundraising for our hospices.
Whether you are serious about running or a beginner determined to rise to the challenge, we would love to hear from you.
Each year, we also have a number of gold bond places available, so if you're unlucky with the ballot there's still a chance to join our team.
For a gold bond place application form please contact Dean Joy on 01582 707966 or email djoy@keech.org.uk
To find out more please contact:
Events team
Tel: 01582 707966
Email: events@keech.org.uk
