Human Interest 2010 - Virgin London Marathon

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Name Region R No. Story Charity
Kelly
Wilson
Royston,
Cambridge
33696
Kelly was inspired to run after the death of her Great-
Grandfather, who lived with her family since Kelly was 16. She
said the experience opened her eyes to the fact that many older
people do not receive the support they need at the end of their
lives. Kelly has also been on a mission to loose weight and has
last five stone since her graduation, so this is a huge
achievement.
Age Concern
Tom
Harrison
Reading 29443
Tom has run the London Marathon for Age Concern and Help the
Aged for the past five years and says helping improve the lives of
older people keeps him motivated. Tom takes part in a range of
running events, and says the rush of endorphins keeps him
invigorated and happy. He also holds the title of ‘World Bog
Snorkeling Pensioner Triathlon Champion.’
Age Concern
Reece
Howe
Southwark,
London
19455
Reece has recently founded a personalized home-help service
after the death of his grandmother in a nursing home. Reece
plans to run the Marathon barefoot.
Age Concern
Andy
Keen
Nottingham 33666
Andy is celebrating his 40th birthday by raising £5,000 for
charity. As well as the London Marathon, he’s planning on taking
part in the Great North Run, a sky-dive, a skiing event, a cycle
challenge and a fire-walk for Age Concern and Help the Aged.
Age Concern

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
John
Starbrook
Surrey
John has raised money for Age Concern for several years. This is
John’s 24th London Marathon.
Age Concern
Paul
French
Andover, Hants 29290
Having completed more than 35 years in the Army and served in
such places as Borneo, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany
and Hong Kong, Paul is delighted now to run the Virgin London
Marathon for the Army Benevolent Fund. This will be Paul's 16th
marathon but making this even more special is that Paul will be
celebrating his 72nd birthday one week before running and his
Golden Wedding Anniversary in the same month. Paul will this
year be running with his two grandsons, James 23 and Tom, 21.
As a team they will be running together for the ABF.
Army Benevolent
Fund
Jill
Hamer
London, SW13
Jill, 70, has run the marathon every 10 years for Asthma UK; at
the age of 50, 60 and now 70. She hope to continue raising
money and awareness and for the fun. Jill is also a suffer of
asthma and so is keen to continue your support.
Asthma UK
Caroline
Witkowski
Erith, Kent 34514
Caroline, 27 has decided to run the marathon for Asthma UK in
memory of her mother who died when she was 19 from an
asthma attack and her brother who died a few years later with
compounded by his asthma. She would like to highlight the
seriousness of asthma and that is can be a killer and hopes to
raise awareness around the condition.
Asthma UK

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Hugh
Skilling
Havant,
Hampshire
34454
Hugh, 30's, niece Charlotte on the day of the 2009 London
Marathon after having an asthma attack and collapsing. She
suffered with asthma all her life and was only 15 years old. Hugh
is running the marathon for Charlotte this year, to raise as much
money as he physically can. Hugh hopes to raise £5,000.
Asthma UK
Heleneia
Brierley
Surrey 35017
Heleneia is running the Virgin London Marathon at the age of 70.
Heleneia is recovering from Bowel Cancer. Heleneia hopes to
complete the marathon over a six day period. Heleneia is fully
prepared for the mental challenge that she will face whilst
completing her journey. She will travel home each day starting
each day at the point she left the previous day raising money and
awareness for Bowel Cancer.
Bowel Cancer
Corina
Hawkins
Bristol 35099
Corina's family has been hit by numerous neurological
conditions. Corina's Nana has dementia, her Aunt has
Parkinson's disease, her Uncle has Motor Neurone's disease, her
close friend Nicki's Mum has MS and another close friend died
from a brain tumour last year. Corina obviously couldn't run for
each condition but it seemed right to me to run for a charity that
represented each illness and was putting money in to research.
So chose the Brain Research Trust.
Corina has run a few half marathons and used to be an avid
hockey player. She have decided to start training for triathlons
next year and cease the running. always wanted to run the
London Marathon and this year it felt right. Corina has the
motivation to do it as she knows she is running for a very
worthwhile cause.
Brain Research Trust

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Carl
Day
Suffolk 35533
I am participating in this years event in the hope to raise a
substantial amount of sponsorship for the BHF, by means of
completing the marathon in a full suit of medieval armour
(weighing approx 6 stone) and anticipate this to take between 12
- 14 hours to complete. My motivation for this is my 15 year old
daughter (16 in April) was born with heart disease and following
the expertise of the Royal Brompton and the support the BHF
she has surpassed everyone's expectations. I have raised various
amounts of sponsorships for BHF over the years, including
Canary wharf run, Trans lakes challenges and assault courses, but
this is by far the hardest yet.
British Heart
Foundation

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Four
Brothers -
The
Cameron
Family
Devon,
Sommerset,
Norfolk and
London
Their motivation to run the London Marathon is driven by the
memory of their father, Alastair Cameron who was and remains
a huge inspiration. Survived by our irreplaceable Mum, Elizabeth,
he is sorely missed but never forgotten.
Alastair, was a hugely respected surgeon at the Norfolk &
Norwich, and West Norwich Hospitals where he was known, not
only for his medical skills, but also his great compassion. At the
early age of 48 he suffered the first of a series of heart attacks
leading to major bypass surgery at Papworth hospital. After
returning to work for seven years his health deteriorated and he
was forced to retire. A further emergency bypass followed after
a second series of heart attacks where we were told to expect
the worst. Somehow however, with the help of pioneering
surgery and advances in coronary care, he pulled through and
survived happily to the previously unimaginable age of 70. In
2004 he died peacefully at home with his loving wife.
When this series of events began the brothers were children at
primary school; the twin youngest boys, Hamish and Dougal
being only 5 years old. When eventually he died in 2004 he was a
Grandfather to Duncan’s children. We all feel extremely lucky to
have been given the chance to grow up as such close friends to
our two amazing parents.
British Heart
Foundation
Rachel
Wylde
Derbyshire 35483
Her daughter Molly, seven, was born with supravalvular
pulmonary stenosis. Drs picked up a murmur soon after she was
born and after further tests they diagnosed her. She had an
operation where a balloon catheter was fitted when she was 10
months old. She is a normal healthy child at the moment but
may require further surgery when she is older.
Molly and Rachel, 36, have helped with PR for NHM 2009 and
the White Peak Challenge.
British Heart
Foundation

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
James
Bruton
Worcestershire 35488
James Bruton – will be 18 on day of race
James is running in memory of his Grandfather.
His justgiving page:
http://www.justgiving.com/james-bruton
British Heart
Foundation
Katie
McCandless
Straffordshire 35397
Katie’s (36) mum died of a heart attack when she was 48 – Katie
was just 21 at the time. Two weeks later her dad had a heart
attack - fortunately he survived and was fitted with a pacemaker.
Katie, who has two children, was recently told she was
overweight by her Dr which was a real wake up call. She has
started road running to lose weight.
British Heart
Foundation
Zoe
O'Shea
Middlesex 35491
Zoe, 39, in 2007 she decided it was time to change her life. She
was classed as clinically obese and at only 36 was getting out of
breath walking up the stairs. Zoe joined weight watchers and in a
7 month period lost 4 stone and went down 5 dresses sizes. As
part of this she took up running and over a 12 month period she
has gone from managing to run 1 mile continuously to achieving
her first ever half marathon in under 2 hours. Zoe is now a
weight watchers leader.
British Heart
Foundation

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Paul
Woolley
Merseyside 52297
Both Paul, 38, and his son have undergone life saving heart
surgery at alder hey hospital Liverpool and CTC Liverpool. Paul
was born with a hole in his heart. They fixed it and at 15 he had
another op to have a human valve fitted. His son Tom was born
in 1995. When Paul had a check up he took Tom in with him and
Drs took one look at his son and whisked him off to have a shunt
fitted. Tom was diagnosed with tetralogy of fallots.
In April 2002 Paul had heart failure and had to get a new valve
fitted. Days later Tom had to have his major operation. Both are
doing fine now and Tom is now 14.
His mum had a heart attack in Jan 2010 but is doing okay.
Paul had never run before last year. He has lost a couple of stone
since taking it up.
British Heart
Foundation
Peter
Bates
Rotherham 35487
Peter, 56, has been a runner and walker all his life – he played
football until he was 50, used to be a club athlete and is a
member of a walking club. Three years ago he started to feel
uncomfortable while walking in the lake district. He went to get
checked out and had an angiogram. He needed a triple heart
bypass. After the operation he had cardiac rehab and signed up
to BHF Heart Matters. Peter got back into exercising as soon as
he could and within 6 months of operation he had done the
Yorkshire three peaks. His oldest son ran the marathon last year
and he is running with his younger son this year.
British Heart
Foundation
Lee
Reginald
Gloucestershire
Runs Sherlock Holmes society in Cheltenham. Has high blood
pressure and cholesterol – his dad had four heart attacks. Will
walk dressed as Sherlock Holmes.
British Heart
Foundation

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Mark
Harris
Leeds 31717
Mark Harris is an extraordinary man who in 1989, after a failed
operation was given only three months to live with a rare form
of thyroid cancer. Following another operation Mark was left
with some lasting damaging effect to his breathing and speech.
In 1990 Mark was determined to run the London Marathon and
with the help of a doctor, nurse, personal trainer and good friend
he completed it in a tiring six hours and six minutes and was very
Cancer treatment and
proud of his efforts as he raised over £100,000 which went to
care in Yorkshire
establish the first regional head and neck cancer service in
Yorkshire. To mark Mark's 20th anniversary from when he ran
his last marathon in 1991 and marking his 21st anniversary for
when he was told he would only have three months to live he
has decided to run this year with the same team plus his son Joe
raising he hopes over £100,000 for cancer treatment and care in
Yorkshire.

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Steven
Waterston
19934
Steven Watson is a serving soldier in the British Army and has
been for 17 and a half years. Steven has already travelled an
amazing distance just to get to the start line. This will not be
Steven's first London Marathon, he completed both London and
Edinburgh marathons in 2008. Prior to these races, Steven
suffered a brain haemorrhage in the year 2003 and was operated
on. Steven then went on to be diagnosed with meningitis, had a
third reconstruction on his ankle as well as suffering with Deep
Vein Thrombosis. In August 2008, Steven suffered another
haemorrhage and was admitted to hospital. After further
investigations, Steven met Mr Rick Nelson a surgeon at Frenchay
Hospital in Bristol where he was later admitted and went under
further surgery. Steven was in hospital for almost seven weeks
and was unable to feed himself, paralysed down the side of his
body and lost a large part of his vision. He was later transferred
to Astley Ainslie Hospital where he began a rehabilitation
process. He has now begun training for the Virgin London
Marathon and is keen to raise funds, awareness and those
charities he is raising money for.
Charles Bell ward at
the Astley Ainslie
hospital in Edinburgh
and Mark Wright
House Edinburgh

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Peter
Ford
Somerset,
Devon, Norfolk
and London
37185
On December 4th, 2007 Peter Ford’s wife Suzie, was diagnosed
with leukaemia - she was 21 weeks pregnant. Against all medical
advice, she continued with the pregnancy whilst having
chemotherapy and their child, Joseph, was born successfully at
34 weeks. Suzie then endured months of treatment including 7
months in isolation with visits from her new born son. The
couple married in hospital and Suzie successfully completed her
treatment and their family life could begin. But in a cruel twist,
in January 2009 Suzie relapsed and had to endure months of
chemo, radiotherapy and a transplant, as well as other
complications. Joseph turned two on the 1 March 2010 and
Suzie can now start to rebuild her life and has the best joy of
being the mum she worked and risked her life trying to become.
Peter will be attempting his first marathon this year for
CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA.
Children with
Leukaemia
Mandy
Valentine
Speke, Liverpool 37331
Mandy Valentine’s world was shattered when, in 2006, her three
year old son Nathan lost his fight with leukaemia. Mandy had
lost her precious boy and felt like she had no control over her
life, so took matters into her own hands and started losing
weight. She was also aware that daughter Jess was old enough to
know that her mum’s weight could affect her health and after
losing her brother, Mandy didn’t want her to worry about losing
her mum too. Two years on and Mandy has lost a staggering 8
stone and is attempting her first marathon with friend Paula
Pocock. They hope to raise in the region of £2,000 for CHILDREN
with LEUKAEMIA.
Children with
Leukaemia

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
After 3 years, 3 months and 3 days, Toby Whitesman’s son
Joshua completed his treatment for leukaemia in November last
year. But Joshua still has a long battle ahead of him, due to the
side effects of the drugs he received. After a difficult diagnosis
and one that left a week longer would have been fatal, Joshua,
aged just 18 months proceeded to lose 17lbs of weight in just 3
weeks – too weak to even hold his head up. Joshua was fed by a
tube for over a year at a crucial time in his weaning and now
Toby
Whitesman Ashford, Kent 37110 struggles to eat normally. His complications don’t end there, as
Joshua is also having intensive physiotherapy as one of the
chemo drugs he took shrunk his Achilles tendon and he can only
walk comfortably on his tiptoes. Joshua and his family live an 8
minute walk to school and they have been told he must walk the
whole distance, but this often means he is sobbing with pain and
exhaustion. Toby hopes to raise money and awareness of
childhood leukaemia by completing the Virgin London Marathon
for CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA.
Children with
Leukaemia

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Michelle
Mearns
Orpington, Kent 36975
Michelle Mearns remembers the exact words the consultant
used to tell them their precious daughter had a very rare form of
leukaemia, “I’m really sorry to tell you this on a Friday, but your
daughter has leukaemia”…. on a Friday! Why, would it be any
different if she had been told on a Monday or Wednesday?! The
Mearns family were due to fly to South Africa, but 10 month old
Jemma couldn’t shift a cold and had developed a rash. As a
precaution, mum Michelle took her to the doctors, who sent
them to the local hospital. Jemma was given a 50/50 chance.
Originally from South Africa, Michelle and her husband Robert
had no support in the UK and each day Robert would drop off
Jemma’s 2 year old sister at the hospital before going to work. A
tough time for the whole family, but six years on and Jemma has
responded well to treatment, is thriving and enjoying life.
Michelle, 39 from Kent, will attempt her first marathon for
CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA this year.
Children with
Leukaemia

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Samantha
Cowpe
Fareham,
Hampshire
37234
To have your child diagnosed with leukaemia is devastating for
any parent, but Samantha Cowpe lives with the possibility her
other son could also be diagnosed with the disease at any time.
When Sam’s son Tomas was diagnosed with leukaemia her world
fell apart, but just weeks after later she was told that Tomas’s
identical brother Daniel also have pre-leukaemia cells and could
develop the disease at any time. The Cowpes have agreed to
take part in a study, led by leading expert Dr Mel Greaves and
their story featured in The Mirror on December 2009. Sam, 44
from Hampshire, hopes to complete her first full marathon in
April and raise £2000 for CHILDREN with LEUAKEMIA for more
research into childhood leukaemia.
Children with
Leukaemia
Nicola
Forster
Waltham Cross,
Hertfordshire
36982
The last time we saw Nicola Forster run a marathon, it was after
being crowned Rosemary Conley’s Slimmer of the Year 2007,
after losing 10 stone. Three years on, Nicola is back, after the
birth her third child in February 2009 – has she lost the 5 stone
she put on with her pregnancy? The answer is yes and the mum
of three from Herts is looking forward to completing her second
marathon for CHILDREN with LEUKAEIA.
Children with
Leukaemia

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Paul
Cox
Poole, Dorset 37002
In 2005 Paul Cox’s daughter, Cherri, was diagnosed with
leukaemia, weeks before her third birthday. Paul and his wife
had to give up work in an attempt to cope with the endless
hospital stays and grueling treatments their daughter had on a
regular basis. Whilst Cherri responded well to the treatment,
the effects of the drugs used to treat her have had a lasting
effect on the 7 year old, who now has to wear glasses, has insteps
in her shoes and is hard of hearing. Paul is keen to raise
awareness of the lasting effects leukaemia can have on a child
and hopes to raise around £2000 for CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA
Children with
Leukaemia
Jon
Bracegirdle
Astley,
Manchester
37277
Jon Bracegirdle will run his first marathon this year. He chose to
run for CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA as his wife was diagnosed
with leukaemia when she was pregnant with their third child.
Children with
Leukaemia
Glenn
Tarry
Barton Green,
Nottingham
36796
When Glenn Tarry decided to run the Virgin London Marathon it
was his brother Paul who chose CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA as
his charity, as Paul’s best friend had lost his brother to leukaemia
and he had seen first hand the effect it had on the whole family.
But in a cruel twist of fate, just weeks after Glenn was awarded
his place in this year’s race and leading up to Christmas, Paul was
killed in a car accident. Glenn, a 31 year old driving instructor
from Nottingham, is more committed than ever to complete the
race in memory of his brother and to fulfill his brother’s wishes.
This will be Glenn’s first marathon and he hopes to raise over
£1500 for CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA.
Children with
Leukaemia

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Jochen
Heck
West London 36878
Jochen ran his first London Marathon in 2008. After I had a
terrible time throughout the race despite a relatively good
preparation, he went to see a doctor. Within a week, he was
diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukaemia and he was given a 40%
chance of survival. Over the following six months, he spent 100
days in isolation in the hospital receiving several courses of
aggressive chemotherapy.
In December 2008, the doctors allowed me to resume running.
Jochen ran/walked my first mile after his treatment in 13min. He
then signed up for the 2009 London marathon raising money for
Leukaemia Care, one of the leading Leukaemia Charities in the
UK. He ended up raising over 10,000 pounds for them. Jochen
ended up successfully completing the 2009 London Marathon
and even beat his 2008 time by 43 seconds.
Therefore, the London Marathon will always have a very special
significance in his life and he would love to participate in the
2010 Virgin London Marathon.
Children with
Leukaemia
Louise
Miles
Penrith,
Cumbria
37910
Mother of Katy Miles who was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour
that spread to her lungs and was helped by CLIC Sargent. Katy
won an award at the Pride of Britain awards in 2008 awarded by
Kylie Minogue and Sharon Osborne, she also got invited to 10
Downing street. Katy will be in the clear for 5years in 2010. Katy
is planning to write to everyone she has met within the last 5
years (inc celebs) to ask for sponsorship. Katy’s dad works for the
Royal Marines and is hoping on doing an event at work
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Adam
Piggot
Grimsby 38091
Son Ryan, 4, is presently undergoing chemo for a brain tumour.
Has had chemo for 6 months, a year to go. He had an adverse
reaction to the first type of chemo and the alternative is much
more severe. He now has to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days at a
time after treatment so his body can be rehydrated.
Clic Sargent
Their daughter Lillia was diagnosed with cancer when she was 3
in March 2008. She had 9 months of treatment including major
brain surgery (“the worst decision any parent should ever have
to make”) Lillia survived and the nine moments included chemo
Frankie and
Angie Purcell TBC and radiotherapy. On Christmas Eve they were finally told that
she was going to be ok. They also have another daughter –
Summer – who is 2 and her life was also turned upside down by
being split from her sibling. CLIC Sargent provided invaluable
support to the couple throughout the difficult time and hence
why they want to run the Virgin London Marathon for them.
Clic Sargent
Abby
Fitzgerald
TBC
Son was diagnosed at 6 months old with Acute Mylelogenous
Leukaemia (AML) 2 days before Christmas on 23rd December
2005. She would stay in the hospital every night and it was not
until Easter Sunday 2006 that all the family were back home for
the first time
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Lisa
Begley
Chelsmford,
Essex
37963
Her son, Ollie was diagnosed with Acute Mylelogenous
Leukaemia (AML) in 2002 when he was 5 years old. He was
diagnosed because he kept getting bruises in unusual places and
then when he fell down off some monkey bars, his leg swelled
up very severely and Lisa took him to the doctors who said it was
worth having blood tests.
These were diagnosed as Lymphoblastic Leukaemia which the
doctors said was the ‘better’ cancer to get. Ollie was treated for
this type of cancer for 2 weeks but with little or no response. He
was therefore looked at again and diagnosed with AML M0
which is very rare with only 50 cases in the past 20 years. He had
chemo for six months after which the cancer has not returned.
Clic Sargent
Nina
Kislova
Uxbridge,
Middlesex
16566
Nina Kislova will be pounding the streets for CLIC Sargent in her
first ever London marathon to give something back to the charity
which supported her boyfriend during his battle with cancer.
Alex was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the summer of
2007 at the age of 19. Three months after Nina got together
with Alex, he was diagnosed with cancer.
Clic Sargent
Adam lost his wife to cancer at a very young age. She has been
diagnosed and kept going into remission only for it to strike
Adam
Birkenhead Salisbury 37841 again. The last time it came back she knew she wouldn’t be able
to go through chemo again and they got married within 3 days of
it being diagnosed. She died a few months later.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Jean and Roy
Meredith
Radstock
25162
29462
Jean and Roy have run 50 Marathons together around the world
including 26 London Marathons and are running for CLIC Sargent
due to the support the charity has given to their whole family.
Their grandson Ben was diagnosed with leukaemia at the end of
February 2007 when he was 16. His parents noticed that he was
poorly and had very little energy and also that he seemed to be
too tall for his strength. He has been on treatment for the last
two years and was meant to finish it in February 2010 but due to
a number of setbacks this is now meant to be May. One of these
setbacks was an infection in which he lost 2 stone. He has also
had to have a hip replacement.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Richard
Curd
Rye, East Sussex 38038
In April 2006, Richard’s son, Oliver was diagnosed with Ewing’s
Sarcoma – a tumour in his skull. He had been having sleepless
nights and, bed sweats and was crying in his sleep for reasons he
didn’t know. Oliver had ten months of treatment – both
chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden. During
this time he twice had to go into intensive care at St. George’s
Hospital because he had sceptic shocks due to infections. After
this period of treatment they thought Oliver had fully recovered
and things were looking very positive. They took this opportunity
to go to Malta for a family holiday to swim with dolphins as this
had always been Oliver’s dream, he also celebrated his ninth
birthday there. Within three months however the cancer had
returned and no further curative treatment was available.
After taking oral chemotherapy for a couple of months to slow
the tumour down Oliver told his parents that he didn’t want to
go back to the hospital. He was always aware of the
consequences if his treatment didn't work. His parents of course
accepted Oliver’s wishes and during the time he had they visited
their family cottage in France and Centre Parcs. He died at home
with his family around him, in his own bed in November 2007.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Ruth
Conquest
Leighton
Buzzard
37954
Ruth’s cousin, Naomi Thacker was diagnosed with AML in spring
2001 and passed away in the autumn. This is Ruth’s first ever
marathon. She was always the worst at PE in her school. Because
of that and other health issues, Ruth would never have dreamt
of taking part in a marathon. By the time Ruth runs the
marathon this April, it will be two years ago since she left her
wheelchair. She was previously unable to stand up without
suffering from seizures. The condition had come on suddenly
when she was at college. One day she suffered a seizure and
could not get up. Doctors could not diagnose her condition. She
had numerous tests, and was told it was something
psychological.
At first, Ruth had to learn to walk, hobbling a few paces across a
room leaning heavily on a zimmer frame. From there, she
progressed to using crutches, all the time wearing knee braces
with metal supports. Adopting a dog from an RSPCA centre was
her motivation to walk without crutches as her mother wouldn’t
allow her to have one until she could look after it herself. Then
she started learning to run last May. In order to train, she
approached the captain of her local athletic club, who offered to
help her on a one-to-one basis.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Rodney
Pearce
Cornwall 37982
Rodney’s son Oliver was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in July
2001. They went to the GP every day for a week but they kept
sending the family home saying they were just worried first time
parents. Eventually they took him in for tests and which revealed
a tumour in his chest. Oliver was operated on immediately and
they removed the tumour. The lung then fortunately re-inflated.
Oliver was discharged after a week. He had regular check-ups
until last year and is now under a pediatrician. He is fine, except
when he gets hot, half his body turns red and the other half
doesn’t!
This is Rodney’s first ever exercise. He decided to take it on after
watching Peter Andre do it last year. He started off running one
minute and walking running minute but can now do 12 miles.
Clic Sargent
Gavin
Wilson
Essex 42448
Gavin was diagnosed with cancer when he was 15 years old and
at the time there was very little support for young people in his
situation. He has decided that, having fully recovered from the
cancer, now is the time to do something for CLIC Sargent so that
he is able to support the charity for all the work they do.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Fran
Witt
East Sussex 37904
Fran’s daughter Elsa Rodger was diagnosed with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) in 2006 when she was 2 ½ years
old. Her treatment protocol was 2 ½ years – she began with the
induction, then the two stage intensive chemotherapy. She is
now in the maintenance stage. During her nine months of chemo
she has some difficult side effect such as vomiting, mouth sores
and weight loss. Fran says, “I remember at one point asking her
what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she said, ‘When I
grow up I want to be Elsa again.” Elsa is now coming towards the
end of the treatment – she finishes in June and will be back to
school next year.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Simon
Kendrick
Northampton 38064
Simon Kendrick. Son Ben was 15 months when first diagnosed
back in December 2007. He was 15 months old when they
noticed his tummy swell up one evening. They rushed Ben to
hospital and found out after 12 hours of grueling tests that he
had a tumour that was trapping his urinerary track.
Ben was misdiagnosed at first and was told he had a 50% chance
of survival. His correct diagnosis revealed he had a 80% chance
and he has now been in remission for 18 months. The family feel
so fortunate.
Simon also has a daughter, Jessica who is now five. Simon feels
bad that she and Ben were exposed to such grown up things
from such a young age.
From the 6 children in Ben’s ward that had the same type of
cancer as him, 4 of them have since died. That was a lot for a 5
year old girl to deal with as she had become friends with them
after all the many hours spent at the hospital. Simon’s wife Katy
went to one of the girls funerals, Chelsea and was haunted and
had nightmares of her pink coffin being carried by her Dad for 6
months.
Simon raised £15,000 for CLIC Sargent at the 2008 marathon. He
was their highest fundraiser that year. He has vowed to do the
marathon every year since then until he is physically unable to
do them when he is a grampa!
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Mark
Thomspon
Leeds 37986
Mark Thomson’s son Harry is now 6 but was diagnosed back in
2006.
When they first heard about the diagnosis the family were
distraught. Their daughter Holly had been hit by a car on a zebra
crossing 3 months before the diagnosis when the family were
already emotionally fraught. They couldn’t believe they were
back in hospital, this time with Harry.
Holly is now 10 and has always been very protective of Harry.
Harry has now gone back to school, luckily he hasn’t missed too
much of school. He cant get involved with too many of the
physical sports but has really immersed himself in school
wherever he can.
Mark was so grateful to CLIC Sargent who helped with the little
every day things that make such a huge difference like doing the
shopping, picking the children up from school, even ironing!
Clic Sargent
Rachael
Bergman
Merseyside 38032
Along with her friends and family, Rachel is running the VLM for
her hen party as she is getting married a couple of months after
the London Marathon. She ran last year in aid of Children with
Leukaemia and so thought it would be the perfect opportunity
for her friends to feel the sense of achievement that she did.
Rachel has a nursing background and so far 15 of her friends and
family have agreed to run with her. She is getting married to Neil
on 28th May 2010.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Georgie
Battye
Thorton Hough,
Cheshire
38010
Georgie Battye is running the Virgin London Marathon alongside
her boyfriend Ben to support her younger sister, 18 year old
Ollie. Ollie was diagnosed with bone cancer early in 2009 and
went through 14 chemotherapy sessions before being given the
all clear just before Christmas. Since October Ollie has been
recording an online video diary which has been cataloguing her
experiences with cancer which she hopes will offer support to
other young people going through the same experiences. Ollie’s
online documentary is providing a never before seen insight into
the experiences of a young person with cancer. You can follow
her journey at www.clicsargent.org.uk/olliesstory. Ollie is hosting
her own fundraising ball in March to raise money and she will be
recording her diary until Georgie and Ben complete the
marathon. Between them they are hoping to raise at least
£20,000.
Clic Sargent

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Ian
Baker
Oxford
Ian’s daughter Zara was diagnosed with cancer of the eye when
she was three and a half. Her cancer type was extremely rare so
even their eye doctor friend didn’t think anything was wrong
with her. Everything happened really fast but they first started to
suspect something was wrong when only one of Zara’s eyes had
red eye in a family photograph. Zara was in hospital within 48
hours of suspecting something was wrong and she had her eye
removed that day.
Ian is a consultant clinical neuropsychologist, his wife Susannah
is a clinical psychologist. They both work at the John Rudcliffe
hospital nr Oxford. Both are used to seeing cancerous tumours
and giving the bad news but not being on the receiving end of it.
Ian has five children, Zara is the youngest of these and she has
one full brother Rory. Rory, seven, was scared he would catch
the cancer, like it was a cold. Both Ian and Susannah had a tough
time calming him and being careful with giving presents to zara
as Rory was very jealous of the attention they were all giving
Zara.
Ian has run the Abbingdon marathon and has raised £1800 at a
charity wine tasting. Zara’ survival prognosis is excellent. She has
a Perspex eye but you can’t really tell at all. Their friends and
family have been incredible supportive. CLIC Sargent were there
every step of the way.
Clic Sargent
Shaun
Michael
Donnellan
Sheffied, South
Yorkshire
38274
Gary, 39, was homeless for many years and was in and out of
trouble with the police. He became affiliated with Crisis due to
his past experiences and is keen to support their emotional
services.
Crisis

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Sharon
Mogg
Bridgend, Wales 28775
40 year old Sharon who is mum to 12 year old Keelan with Cystic
Fibrosis won the Virgin Money Giving competition to ‘Run with
Richard’ so she is very much looking forward to running her first
marathon. Her son Keelan suffers with the digestive side of
Cystic Fibrosis very badly, yet was still able to take part in a
sponsored swim for charity. This inspired Sharon to sign up for
the marathon and she hopes to raise £2,000 to fund research
into Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Sally
Woolgar
South London 38404
30 year old Sally Woolgar had a life-saving double lung transplant
aged 21 after waiting 5 long years for organs to become
available. She is getting ready to run her first Virgin London
Marathon, which will be an extra special achievement for her as
ten years ago she could hardly walk let alone run.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Alan
Williams
Plymouth 28774
31 year old Alan is running an incredible 31 races for the CF Trust
this year with the aim of raising £31,000. Until very recently, the
average life expectancy for someone born with CF was 31.
The races include the Virgin London Marathon, Tokyo Marathon,
Great North Run and he will be covering 500 miles in the races
alone. I have attached an article on him for more info and his
website is www.run31.org.uk twitter
http://twitter.com/alanw_run31
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Yoko
Sellek
Guildford 39631
Yoko is running as part of a team of five for the Great Ormond
Street Hospital Charity. Pippa Moorin, Chris Burrows, Adrian
Woodman and Ian Wilkes are part of Yoko's, 53, team. Yoko and
her team will be running in memory of her son, Akio who died at
GOSH last year at the age of 16. He suffered from systemic
vasculitic inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis and died as a
result of pneumothrorax.
GOSH

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Lady Sheila
Newby
David
Boon
Liverpool 39652
Walton-on-
Thames
17564
Sheila, 51 is running her first marathon. Sheila had open heart
surgery at GOSH in 1965 and believes she is one of the longest
surviving patients to have cardiac open heart surgery. She is
running, not only for the charity but also to achieve a personal
goal.
David will be running the London Marathon blindfolded with a
guide to raise money and awareness for the charity Guide Dogs
for the Blind.
Great Ormond Street
Hospital Children's
Charity
Guide Dogs for the
Blind
Ken
Murray
Harpenden,
Herts
40046
Ken, 44, will be running the Virgin London Marathon for the
charity Heart Research UK. He decided on this charity after his
friend developed a heart condition and has ongoing treatment
ever since. After seeing his friend's condition it bought home
how important heart research is in finding cures for conditions
like his friends', so Ken decided to run the London Marathon to
raise money for the pioneering research in to heart disease. He
hopes to raise £5,000.
Heart Research UK
Rachel
Moore and
Zoe Lucas
Gawcott, Bucks
and Croydon,
Surrey
18937
40032
Rachel, 37 and Zoe, 34 dad died aged just 55 from a heart attack
and this year they had a 'lunatic' idea of running the London
Marathon for the HRUK. Rachel is a self confessed chocoholic
and has done little running before. She is blogging her and her
sister's marathon progress. They are both running to raise
money and awareness for Heart Research UK.
Heart Research UK

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Debbie
Hoods
Beckenham 40961
Debbie, 36, is an insulin dependant diabetic and also suffers from
asthma. She has never run the marathon before but was inspired
by her husband who has run several. She is running to save the
charity. Kids First used to be the in-house charity for Woolworths
plc. Now Woolies is no more, the charity has managed to
continue but has yet to fill the funding gap that the loss of
Wooolies left behind. Debbie has worked for the charity for over
five years and is dedicated to ensuring that the charity can
continue to run to benefit children. Debbie has two children
under the age of seven and feels passionate about giving all kids
a rich and varied life experience.
Kids First Trust
Chris
Moon
Strathaven 28078
Chris Moon, 37, lost his right leg and arm in a landmine explosion
whilst clearing landmines for charity in Moxambique in 1995.
Doctors believed the only reason Chris survived was due to his
peak physical fitness from years of army training. Chris has gone
on to run the London Marathon for the Leonard Cheshire
Disability for the last eleven years, making the 2010 Virgin
London Marathon, Chris' 12th, using his prosthetic limbs. Chris is
massively inspirational; he's completed the Marathon De Sables
using prosthetic limbs in 1997 and in 2004 Chris walked over
1,000 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End via London in just
25 days to raise funds for the Leonard Cheshire Disability.
Leonard Cheshire
Disability

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Lisa
Kent
Lisa, 45, Kent
On the 8th July 2004 Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lisa
had a double mastectomy and was back to work shortly after the
surgery. Lisa has a fighting spirit and vowed to get better for her
children. Sadly her cancer returned last April, but once again she
has fought it off. Lisa said, “I want to give something back now
while I am fit enough and able to”.
Macmillan Cancer
Support
Paula
Chesant,
Hertfordshire
On 13 December 2007 doctors found a tumour and diagnosed
Paula with bowel cancer. To keep herself focused Paula started
running. She had 12 cycles of treatment and so upped her
distance by a mile each week. Paula’s plans to marry went ahead
and she married her true love in April. Paula got given the all
clear in August 2009.
Macmillan Cancer
Support
Joanna
Lucy
Ed
Arthur
David
Wapping,
London
Hornchurch,
Essex
Chiswick
Northampton
Worcester Park,
Surrey
Jo found a lump on her neck which she ignored for 7 months.
During this time her sister-in-law was also suffering from cancer.
The same week that her sister-in-law was given the all clear, Jo
was diagnosed with a rare head and neck cancer. Jo is running
with her husband Stewart, whom she married in September
2009.
Lucy was diagnosed with a rare form of throat cancer in 2007.
This is her first marathon.
Christmas 2007, finished university and was interning when a
lump on his tongue was diagnosed as cancer. He has the all clear.
Ed attended the 60th anniversary of the NHS at Westminster
Abbey last year and spoke about his experience in front of Prince
Charles and Gordon Brown.
Arthur, 31, Survived testicular cancer, lost Mum to breast cancer
and father survived Hodgkins disease
David, 23, had Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006. He also lost his best
friend to bowel cancer last year.
Macmillan Cancer
Support
Macmillan Cancer
Support
Macmillan Cancer
Support
Macmillan Cancer
Support
Macmillan Cancer
Support

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Lisa
Tim
Lupton
Christchurch,
Dorset
Devon 41958
This is both Lisa, 40 and her son Robbie’s first marathon, doing it
to raise awareness for her daughter Rosie. Rosie is 14 now (she
13 when she was first diagnosed.
Tim, 37, is running to support the charity and raise funds and
awareness as a team of three. Tim's son was born with
micropthalmia in his right eye and slightly in his left. His right eye
has been removed and replaces with an artificial eye. The charity
have been a great support to Tim and his family and his keen to
show his appreciation.
Macmillan Cancer
Support
MACS
Mel
Gordon
Bexley, Kent 41944
Mel, 54, has a daughter who was born in June 2008 with
micropthalmia and cataract and she is blind in her right eye. Mel
went along to a MACS event in 2009 and has since been inspired
to help support the charity by running the London Marathon.
MACS
Lucy Roe,
Steve Roe
and Terry
Roe
Wolverhampton
41940
41955
41979
Lucy, Steve and Terry are all running as a team for the first time.
Lucy, her brother and dad will be running on the day of her 30th.
Her dad will be celebrating his 60th birthday this year and so will
be a double celebration. They hope to raise over £3,000
between them.
MACS
Olivier
Bertrand
London
The Reverend Bertrand Olivier is running the Virgin London
Marathon for the second time this year with his Pastoral
Assistant Martin Carr. They are both running to raise funds for
and support the Medical and Eye Clinic in Aden Yemen.
Medical and Eye
Clinic in Aden, Yemen
Dave
Cox
East Sussex 43364
Dave, 26 had an accident when he was 19. He came off his bike
and fractured his skull which resulted in to him loosing his
hearing in one ear and the ability to walk. Whilst recovering he
set himself a goal - to run the London Marathon. He would like
to give back to NDCS. In Dave's words, "NDCS worked towards
giving valuable experience and contacts to sufferers at an early
age to allow them to gain confidence and knowledge on how to
live life. Something I wish I had."
National Deaf
Children's Society

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
David
Potter
Canterbury,
Kent
34084
Over a year ago David's three year old son was diagnosed with
poor stem cells, he was not producing enough blood cells for him
to be healthy and seem pale and fatigued. Ultimately it would be
life threatening. The Anthony Nolan Trust then found two 100%
matches out of 10 million on their donor database, and Ben had
a bone marrow transplant in March 2009 and was home safe in
June. Months on, David and his partner are celebrating Ben's
health. David has a massive amount of motivation and is keen to
show his support and thanks to both the Royal Marsden and The
Anthony Nolan Trust. He has chosen to raise money for both.
Royal Marsden
Hospital, the new
Children Wing Appeal
and The Anthony
Nolan Trust
Andy
Knell
London 44767
Andy will be completing the marathon for the charity Sense.
Whilst Andy is not blind, he will be running blind folded so that
he can appreciate and understand what it is like to have the
ability to see. He will be running with a guide at all times and so
will be aware of his surroundings.
Sense
Kristan
Williams
Oxon 34219
He’s running ’21 races for a 21 year old hero’ in memory of his
friend Jamie Gunn who was killed in action in Afghanistan last
February. He started his 21 races in June last year and the 21st
will be the London Marathon.
Jamie’s sister is one of the faces of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Kristina himself served four years in the Army.
Soldier's Charity
Garry
Sussex
Rheindahlen 34214
Gary is planning on running the marathon this year not only in
uniform in his kit but with a weight of 101 lbs which, if he
completes in under 10 hours, will be a world record. He’s
currently serving in Germany.
Soldier's Charity

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Brian and
John Lee
Taunton,
Somerset
48235
6557
Brian and John, both aged 45 are identical red headed twins who
have been competitive throughout their lives in sport. Twin
rivalry is already keen as both Brian and John are keen both to
be the first across the Marathon finish line and to raise the most
sponsorship. Brian is currently training under the watchful eye of
Somerset Captain ( and ex England cricketer) Marcus
Trescothick, with support from all at the club. If he crosses the
line before John he will have the pleasure of watching his
brother put through a grueling session in the gym by the
Somerset Cricket Team. As Somerset boys they are keen to
support a Somerset charity. St Margaret’s is here to help local
people and you never know if, sometime, people we know may
need care from the Hospice.
St Margaret's
Somerset Hospice
Irene
Clarke
Epsom, Surrey 28018
Irene will be one of the oldest women to run this year's Virgin
London Marathon at the age of 82. Irene ran her first marathon
in 1989 after loosing her husband in October 1988, she ran in his
memory at the age of 60. Irene has been the oldest runner for
several London Marathons finishing in the top two for her age
group.
TBC

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Tony
Hodge
Germany 31736
25th April will be my 33rd full marathon and 14th 'London' and
my personal best time was recorded in the 2002 marathon (2
hours, 56 minutes).
I work for the Ministry of Defense and last year I had to do all
my training on a treadmill because I was working in Afghanistan -
it was too dangerous to run outside the Camp for obvious
reasons! This year I am over in Germany with my family and
have had to run through the hardest German Winter for 30 years
and we've had snow on the ground for over 2 months.
The full details of my running efforts this year are on my just
giving page:
www.justgiving.com/tony-hodge
Jamie Ingliss Appeal,
British Forces
Germany
Dean
Parsons
Morden, Surrey 51756
Dean is running the Virgin London Marathon this year as Haydon,
The Womble AFC Wimbledon's official mascot. This will be
Dean's first London Marathon.
The Children's Trust
James
Delve
Derbyshire 42442
James, 24 is running his first marathon this year for the
Meningitis Trust. James lost a close friend of his since the age of
17, Will Sheppard to meningitis. Since then the Meningitis Trust
has been important to James and has supported fundraising
activities since. In 2004 a group of Will's friend's and family
raised over £100,000 for the trust. Although James didn't run he
assisted massively with the fundraising. One of the team who ran
in 2004 for the Meningitis Trust was Tom Donaldson, a friend of
James' since the age of 12. Tragically Tom died following a freak
accident in February 2009. James has since decided that he
would like run in both Tom and Will's memory. James has
decided to run for the Meningitis Trust following the death of
Will and as it was the charity close to Tom's heart.
The Meningitis Trust

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Edward
Hepworth
Teddington 42438
Edward, 39 would like to run the Virgin London Marathon for
The Meningitis Trust to raise awareness of the disease and the
charity. Edward's sister has meningitis at the age of 22 who came
close to death, as well as having two friend's who have
contracted the disease and as a result hopes to raise a minimum
of £1,500 for the charity.
The Meningitis Trust
Stephen
Saxon
Gloucestershire
Stephen, 46 will be tackling the marathon for a second time.
Stephen is the team leader for a group of six and will be running
in full military wear. The team have chosen to run for a
colleague's father-in-law who died after contracting meningitis.
Between the team they hope to raise a massive £9,000. They will
each be running carrying a 30lb back pack. The team are with the
Military Provost Guard Service based at Imjin Barracks in
Gloucestershire. They are all regular serving members of the
British Army.
The Meningitis Trust
Abigail
Tester
Richard
Branch
Buckinghamshir
e
42426
Suffolk 42439
Abigail is running in memory of her father-in-law who sadly died
from meningitis in 2006 at the age of 54. Abigail, 33 is running to
support the charity and the good work they do for those
suffering with the disease.
Richard, 25 is running this year's marathon with his brother. They
are running in memory of a their friend and team-mate who
died from meningitis. They have been already raising funds
through their cricket club.
The Meningitis Trust
The Meningitis Trust

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Stephanie
Smith
Peterborough 42473
Stephanie, 18 (Feb2010), lost a very dear friend to her at the
young age of 18 from meningitis. Stephanie decided that as soon
as she turned 18 and was old enough she would run in her
friend's memory for a charity close to heart. "Thommy was the
most genuine and outgoing person who never failed to make me
laugh. It is obvious that I had to do something for her and I know
that she will keep me motivated and determined to complete he
marathon."
The Meningitis Trust
Paul
Martin
Plymouth 42435
Paul, 33 suffered with meningitis nine years ago and made a full
recovery. Paul's cousin contracted the disease and sadly died of
Meningitis aged 26. Paul would like to run in memory of his
cousin Mark.
The Meningitus Trust
Anthony
Bell
Essex 49302
Anthony, 65 has already run a huge 46 marathons. He has
completed the Comrades Ultra, Iceland Ultra, Two Bridges Ultra,
Mount Everest Ultra and is still going! He believes London is the
biggest and best he can do and what makes it more special is
that he will be 65 when he runs. Anthony is inspired by the work
of the charity and wants to help as much as he can.
Victa Children
Naveen
Anandakum
ar
Hounslow 48992
Naveen will turn 21 on race day. Naveen is taking a gap year to
complete the London Marathon and raise funds for Victa.
Naveen believed that when he found out the marathon was on
the same day as his birthday, it was his destiny to complete the
marathon. He hopes to raise £2,000.
Victa Children
Stephen
Threadgold
Bristol 49016
Stephen will be running his sixth marathon and will be turning on
the day. This marathon will Stephen's last before emigrating to
Australia. He believes that Victa Children is a great charity with a
good cause.
Victa Children

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
Kevin
Howes
Tadley,
Hampshire
48975
Kevin, 37 has worked for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Has been around/worked with many organisations that support
visually impaired and blind children. Kevin's father sadly passed
away who was also partially sighted. Kevin has a strong
association with the charity and wants to help as much as he
can.
Victa Children
Sylvia and
John
Courtney
Liverpool
49030
51202
John, 71 and Sylvia, 67 will be celebrating their 50th anniversary
this year. They are great-grandparent. John will be a guide
runner to their foster child James Hughes. Sylvia will be running
her fourth London Marathon this year whilst John has run 44
different marathons in total. They are keen to support a charity
which helps visually impaired and blind children.
Victa Children
James
Hughes
Liverpool
James, 37 has learning difficulties. James was fostered at the age
of 14 by John and Sylvia Courtney who are running at this year's
Virgin London Marathon. John will be acting as James' guide.
This year's marathon will be James' fifth time running for the
Victa charity and his 40th ever marathon.
Victa Children

Virgin London Marathon - Human Interest 2010
David
Lebus
London 49440
David Lebus has a special reason for running for Wellbeing of
Women in the 2010 Virgin London Marathon – his mother.
His mum, Christina, was the director of Wellbeing (as was) from
1997-1999, she was fiercely proud of the charity and even in the
short time she was director, made a big difference to its success.
Sadly in 1999 she became very ill and died.
David says “She cared hugely about the charity and what they
were trying to achieve. It was a great frustration to her that
being ill stopped her from carrying on the work that she so
enjoyed and felt so strongly about. I want to raise money for
WoW, not just in memory of Mum, but also as a thank you for
the motivation and the inspiration that her memory provides
every day, whether I’m running a marathon or not.
Wellbeing of Women
Gary
Eccleston
Prestatyn
Gary is running the marathon as a 'T' bag. Gary's wife is fantastic
with making her own clothes and is going to be making Gary's
costume after he sourced some suitable material. Gary will be
running around his local streets to get some further support and
raise awareness.
WellChild