Southwark’s runners raised thousands on Sunday, April 24, as they were among 40,000 people in the 2016 London marathon, writes Paige Smith…
Bermondsey runner Kevin Downey completed his 27th marathon, smashing his £2,500 fundraising target for the News’ Evelina Children’s Hospital appeal by more than £300.
Kevin said: “Normally you get a few gaps in the crowd but this year there weren’t and they were cheering us all on for the whole thing, which was great. I raised £2,898.06, but there is more to come.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me from the bottom of my heart. Especially Pat from the Blue Anchor for holding charity nights for me and a great after party.
“This was my 27th marathon and I want to do three more before I turn 60. Then I’m hanging up my boots.”
Bermondsey born and bred Paul Roberts was one of twelve runners from the ITV Sports London Marathon Team running for the NSPCC to improve the ChildLine Services.
The 42-year-old TV Producer said: “We have so far raised almost £17,000. The day was great, the best part was going through Rotherhithe and Bermondsey, particularly Jamaica Road.”
Despite a toe injury on Tower Bridge, Paul soldiered on and managed to finish the course in a time of 5 hours 40 minutes and 38 seconds. He said: “The people of Bermondsey again proved that they are the best at support on the marathon route.”
East Dulwich professional, Tony Mok, ran the Marathon in honour of his mum, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis.
He said: “The day went very well indeed. I managed to complete the marathon in 4h 17m, which is my personal best.”
He said: “Donations on my just giving page went through the roof in the run up to the race. I am currently on £1,146.65, which far surpasses my second target.”
Dominic Cain, Assistant Director Revenues and Benefits Southwark Council, ran his first marathon on Sunday in memory of two work colleagues and friends, in 3 hours 31 minutes 53 seconds.
The 44-year-old has so far raised £7,461 for Bowel Cancer UK in honour Calvin Tigere & Mike who were lost to the disease in a short space of time in 2014. Both had worked at Southwark in Revenues and Benefits and their loss had a profound impact on many of people.
Emma D’Arcey, 40, from Bermondsey finally fulfilled her dream of running the London Marathon after trying to get a place in the ballot for twelve years.
The textile designer was aiming to raise £1,500 for a charity in Kolkata, India which provides a home for life for disabled children and young adults who have no family and have been abandoned on the streets of Kolkata, India but she ended up raising double her target amount.
She said: “£3001.43. I couldn’t believe it and it’s going to such an incredible cause. David Earp the founder is a very special person and the team that work at shuktara are equally brilliant.”