Keep On Running! Brewers Colleagues Run The London Marathon For Incredible Causes

I was delighted to run London Marathon to raise money and awareness of Save The Rhino International! I run regularly but a marathon is no mean feat – the event itself is daunting and the training alone gruelling; early morning runs, long runs, runs in the wind and rain but all with the finish line, and in my case the rhinos, in mind.  And London didn’t disappoint – what an experience! From start to finish the streets were lined with supporters. It was hard not to have a smile on my face, even as the miles ticked on and moving forward became more of a challenge, but I was thrilled to finish in 3 hours and 54 minutes. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and of course Brewers for match funding! 

As always, the support along the course was amazing and it was great to run for the Save The Rhino International charity who had 62 runners doing the course, some in rhino costumes and some like me – not! Altogether, we raised over £120k. This was my second London Marathon and I was really pleased to get a new PB of 3 hours, 3 minutes and 46 seconds (official time).  As you spend a lot of time going sideways you always end up running longer than a marathon distance. I run for Lancing Eagles Running Club so I did a bit of ‘flying’ across the line although it was more of a relief just to finish!

What an atmosphere! I was fortunate enough to win a place through my running club for a race that most can only dream of completing. A truly memorable day shared with family, friends and strangers. It was my first ever marathon and I loved every single step. I was very proud to finish it in 4 hours 43 minutes and 50 seconds. Thank you to everyone who tracked my journey!

This was my seventh – and at the tender age of 64 – definitely my final London Marathon, the last one being in 1998. I have raised well over £3,000 for Age UK including £1,000 matched by the business as well as an ecommerce customer service/CWD bake off and personal donations from Brewers colleagues – so huge thanks to everyone. I run as a hobby with over 500 miles of training undertaken year to date. I completed the course in 4 hours and 36 minutes which I was really pleased with, but my PB is 2 hours and 46 minutes, which I achieved in the 1996 London Marathon. My supporters were able to live track me with a link to my phone which helped keep me motivated. The crowds were awesome with regular shouts of ‘Come on Cookie’!

What an experience that was! I am so proud of myself for finally running the iconic London Marathon. I felt privileged to run amongst so many inspirational people with such moving stories to tell. The atmosphere is electric: drumming bands booming out in the tunnels and people calling out your name saying ‘you’re a legend and an inspiration’. I never doubted that I could do it even though when I entered the ballot a year ago, it had been about 30 years since I had last ran.  It truly was a day I will never forget and I know my dad was with me every step of the way. Thank you for all those who supported me in raising money for GAIN (Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies).

Brewers were also thrilled to support Tony Davies, a regular customer of Brewers Barking. Brewers donated to his marathon run, raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. Tony ran the marathon in a little over 7 hours and had a fantastic time.