Ten runners undertook the ultimate challenge by taking part in the London Marathon, raising money for babies and children across Sussex.
Many people love running; being able to get out and about in their local area, enjoy the countryside or the sense of achievement of being able to run any distance. But whatever level you are, there aren’t many runners who wouldn’t want the chance to take part in one of the world’s most iconic marathons.
And this year, over 40,000 people managed to fulfil that dream and get a place to run in the London Marathon, 11 of which chose to run for Rockinghorse and fundraise for us.
On the day itself, despite some dodgy weather at the start of the day, the sun eventually came out for the runners and the millions of people lining the streets to cheer them on.
Emma Cunliffe, Supporter Engagement Manager at Rockinghorse, set up our Rockinghorse cheer point around mile 11 in Bermondsey, armed with a bubble machine, bells and some very loud voices to cheer the runners on. She was also able to meet friends and family of the Rockinghorse runners who also cam to join in the fun at various points.
And the runners themselves really enjoyed the experience and shared some of the reasons they chose to support us.
Paul Murrell
Sarah Prior
Paul Murrell: “Ten years ago when my nephew had a tough start to life, Rockinghorse were there to support him. Without the cooling mat that Rockinghorse paid for at the TMBU, I do not believe his story would be such a happy one. I loved the chance to support Rockinghorse in return. Thanks for all the support and messages in the run up and on the day.”
Sarah Prior: “I was in pain after the marathon, but it was so so worth it. The day was incredible and I’m so happy I have been able to raise so much for Rockinghorse.”
Richard Ablett
Richard Ablett: “I loved every second of the London Marathon. An incredible adventure and I was so happy to raise money for Rockinghorse, who do such crucial work for children like my daughter, Lizzie. Their work provides the support, resources and experiences that can really make a difference to local families.”
Darren and Berney
Darren Clark and Berney Emmett.
Darren said: “My daughter Ruby was born six weeks premature with a heart condition on 8 August 2021. On the 9 of August 2022, the day after her first birthday and after regular 24-hour ECGs and outpatient appointments with the consultant, we found out our little warrior Ruby could come off her medication.
“We could not pass up the opportunity to run in this world-famous marathon and to raise money for the very people that gave my girl what she needed to fight and be with us today, and she is smashing it.”
Paul Rasmussen
Paul Rasmussen: “Rockinghorse is close to my heart as they helped look after one of my best friends, Sam, and his wife Leti during the tough arrival of their gorgeous baby girl Ufi. Ufi spent 97 days in the Trevor Mann Baby Unit in Brighton, a specialist care unit for premature newborn babies after being born three months premature. Without the amazing care she received there, she wouldn’t be here today.”
“Running this year meant a lot as it’s been three years in the waiting due to COVID and we ended up with perfect conditions with the sun shining. Running with so many others, all chasing the finish line, creates an unbelievable feeling of moving forward together. The crowd’s energy and cheers of joy makes it all an amazing experience and I particularly liked high fiving everyone along way.”
Emma at the Rockinghorse cheering point
Emma added: “I am so proud of all the amazing Rockinghorse runners who took on the London Marathon. They absolutely smashed their fundraising, raising over £24,000, setting a new Rockinghorse fundraising record for the event! It was great being able to give them some very well-deserved cheers and high fives on the big day as they ran past our cheer point.”
In 2023 the event will be returning to its usual April date after temporarily moving to October for the last few years. If you’d like to join Team Rockinghorse for the London Marathon on April 23 2023, you can apply for a place here.
