Disabled Children’s Charity Looking For Nursing Professionals To Fill London Marathon Places
Caudwell Children, the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families, is appealing to runners from the nursing sector, who are unsuccessful in securing a place in the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon, to register in their ballot to be in with a chance of securing one of their sought after charity places.
A record number of 253,930 UK runners registered for next year’s London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 23rd April, 2017. In October, 2016, the runners will find out if their registration has been successful.
“With over a quarter of a million applications for the 35,000 places available, there are going to be a lot of disappointed people when the results of the official ballot are announced,” said Kirsten Greaves, Senior Challenge Coordinator at Caudwell Children. “This is a fantastic opportunity to secure a place and run in, arguably, the greatest marathon in the world.”
Completing the Virgin Money London Marathon will give participants a great sense of achievement says Kirsten. However, she believes that by raising money for Caudwell Children the day will be even more memorable and exciting. She said: “For many this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Runners are desperate to fulfil their ambition of taking part in one of the greatest sporting events on the planet.
“However, by helping us to raise much needed funds to deliver specialist equipment, therapies, treatments, and fully supported holidays to disabled children, their achievement will be even more compelling.
“When you run for Caudwell Children you are helping the charity to transform lives of children and young people.“
One teenager who knows the difference that the charity makes is 15-year-old Jessica Fletcher, from Ipswich, who has arthrogryposis, a condition that’s left her with tightening lower limbs.
Jessica successfully finished the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in 2016. As she explained she couldn’t have done it without the support of Caudwell Children: “I’ve been competing in sport for over five years now and my ambition is to become a professional athlete.
“However, until recently I didn’t own my own sports wheelchair which made it extremely difficult to compete. I had to borrow chairs which meant I couldn’t perform to the best of my ability.
“Thankfully, Caudwell Children helped to fund a new state-of-the art racing wheelchair for me. It cost £3,645 but it’s made me so much more competitive.”
With the aid of her new chair Jessica knocked five minutes of her personal best time.
Kirsten says the charity’s unrivalled pre and post-race support benefits runners, helping them perform to their maximum ability.
“Running for Caudwell Children will really enhance your experience,” she explained. “You will enjoy a pre-race pasta party and an after race reception, which includes a muscle rehabilitation massage.
“Our runners also receive a pro-race Caudwell Children running vest, a comprehensive training plan, a fundraising pack and dedicated support from one of our fundraising team.
“So I would urge those who miss out to enter our ballot to be in with a chance of running in, arguably, the greatest marathon in the world!”
Caudwell Children is also urging those who are successful in the ballot to run on behalf of the charity.
To find out how you can run for Caudwell Children or to secure a place for the Virgin Money London Marathon contact the Events Team on 01782 600435 or 07964 757282 or email: challenges@caudwellchildren.com
