Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 16 April 2024 at 22:43
With more than 30,000 runners each year, the Virgin London Marathon is widely considered one of the world’s biggest and best events in every runner’s calendar.
And once again this year, one of our own will be on the start line on 23rd April.
Peterborough paramedic Lesley Hall, who has been with the Trust for 13 years, will be running the 26.2 mile race for the British Lung Foundation (BLF) – a charity very close to Lesley.
“My father has severe COPD, my auntie has mesothelioma and both of my children have had time in hospital with bronchiolitis. My dad has had two severe exacerbations and he was admitted to intensive care. Watching Dad deteriorate prior to going to hospital, seeing him fight to teach his body how to breathe again, has been distressing for my family. I can only imagine what it must feel like for my dad. Both times he has come through it.
“I figure that being out of breath for 26 miles is a small challenge when the likes of my lovely dad can't even make a flight of stairs without fighting for breath. If I ever struggle in training I just think about that and it pushes me through.”
The BLF gives medical and practical advice to people living with lung conditions, as well as funding vital research, campaigning for better future health and cleaner air.
As part of Lesley’s fundraising, she held a mini marathon with her eldest son and his friends which raised £450. Also colleagues at Peterborough station helped Lesley to run a bake sale at Peterborough City Hospital, which raised a fantastic £400.
Lesley added: “I am offering people the chance to ‘dedicate a mile’ of my marathon to someone for £5. So far mile one and mile 26 are taken but two to25 are available. People can pay £5 into my Virgin Money Giving page and if they wish, can send me a photo with the reason they want to dedicate to that person. I will carry them round with me on the day and use them to keep me strong and motivated on the day.”
To sponsor Lesley, please visit her Virgin Money Giving page. From all of us here at EEAST – good luck!
Are you running the London Marathon this year – then we’d like to hear from you! Send us your story and why you’re running to hollie.cowan@eastamb.nhs.uk
Published 16th February, 2017