On Sunday 23rd April 2017, Team Livability’s 22 runners took on the world famous Virgin London Marathon in aid of Livability. A large support team of Livability staff, volunteers, friends and loved ones assembled at the Livability Cheering Point near Canary Wharf in a show of solidarity. So far over £37,000 has been raised for Livability.
Rachel Baynes – a physiotherapist for Livability Icanho in Suffolk – completed her very first London Marathon in 05:13:32.
Rachel said:
‘I am very passionate about my job and every day I am inspired by the people that use the service, following the devastating effects of a brain injury. As a result I ran the London Marathon for Livability Icanho.’
Church leader Simon Blanchflower was the first Team Livability runner to cross the finish line in an impressive time of 03:25:02. Although Simon is a fitness enthusiast, this was his first time taking on London’s 26.2 mile route:
Commenting on the experience of the day, Simon said:
‘It was amazing day. After an early rise I travelled over to Greenwich with a good friend Greg who was also competing.’
‘I am part of the leadership team at a Livability Link Church – one in a network of churches with a strong focus on reaching out into the local community. I have attended the church for over 30 years and very inspired by the work that Livability does.’
Among the runners included brothers Andy Thompson and his brother Peter – who is currently taking on the ‘Marathons for the Mind’ challenge, attempting to run 44 marathons in 44 countries, over 44 consecutive days.
Peter Thompson, who is running 44 marathons in 44 days in 44 countries to raise money for Livability
Peter Thompson said:
‘In a year in which Prince William has cited the 2017 marathon as the ‘Mental Health Marathon’, coming to run the half-way point of my challenge at the London Marathon is a real highlight. Whilst a little nervous about the challenge I have set myself, I am really excited about the adventure it will be.’
Andy Thompson said:
‘I wanted to run the London Marathon for years and applied many times. This year, I was able to take part and also provide support for my brother during his “Marathons for the Mind” challenge.’
‘It was a really special day for us and part of a really special adventure for him.’
A record number of runners took on the Virgin Money London Marathon and more than 39,400 completed the gruelling 26.2-mile journey, making the 37th edition of the race the biggest in its history by 347 runners.
Livability congratulates them every Team Livability runner for their fantastic achievement, and sincerely thanks them and their friends and families for their incredible support.
Livability, 6 Mitre Passage, London SE10 0ER.
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