Events

LONDON MARATHON SUNDAY 13TH APRIL 08

25 March 2008

Six runners give their all for DHG

Every penny goes to replenish depleted charity funds

Sunday 13th April 08 is drawing near for six runners who have pledged to raise funds for DHG whilst taking part in the London Marathon. All have been training hard and putting as much effort into securing sponsorship from everyone they know. Continue reading to find out why our runners want to push themselves to their physical limits in the name of charity. Any of these fantastic people can be sponsored by contacting Down’s Heart Group either by phone or by using this website's giving or sponsorship pages.

Philip Longster

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"My daughter, Hope (pictured with me), was born in 2007 with Down's Syndrome and an AVSD.  My wife and I joined the Down's Heart Group soon afterwards having seen what excellent support it gave to people in similar circumstances to ourselves.  Having run two marathons previously (the last in 2005), I was inspired to run on behalf of the DHG in order to raise vital funds.  Naturally, I was delighted to be selected to run the London Marathon in 2008.
 
I began training in May 2007 as soon as Hope was discharged from the Royal Brompton Hospital following her AVSD repair (she also had an ileostomy operation a few days later).  As far as my recent training is concerned, barring an injury, I am looking to complete the course in under 4 hours 30 minutes.  Then again, just finishing is an achievement in itself!"

Anthony Jones

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"My name is Tony Jones and I am a teacher from Cardiff. This is my first marathon so although to get under five hours would be nice, at this point I am just looking to make sure I finish. I decided that I wanted to run the London Marathon just under a year ago, about two weeks after the last one had finished in fact. Two of my best friends had just run it and there was no way I was going through the rest of my life putting up with their bragging! But more seriously, having close friends who have a brother with Down's and so seeing and hearing about how much advice and support the Down's Heart Group has given them there was no other charity I would want to raise the money for.

Sue Gardner

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“The reason I am running the marathon is because I am proud to be part of a huge charity event!!! I work with children with special needs and know a lot of children who have Down’s Syndrome. I am very passionate about my work and raising money for this charity is very close to my heart and will inspire me to cross the finishing line. I hope to finish the marathon in 4 hours and 15 mins.”

Jason Curtis

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"My name is Jason Curtis, and I am 38 years old. I am taking the rather daunting option of running my first Marathon in April, and looking forward (I think) to every minute (or hour)!

I am delighted to be running for DHG. I was familiar with its good work in the past, and it was good to be given the opportunity following a successful auction bid at a friend's fundraising day this time last year. It has been a pleasure to read about some of DHG's good work, and the sponsorship is coming in, albeit gradually!

My running experience is limited. I embarked on my long distance challenges 2 years ago, and completed the Cardiff Half Marathon in just under 2 hours, first time around. I continued the challenge last year, and only two weeks ago completed the Llanelli Half Marathon in 1hr 57 mins. Not too quick, but probably as much as I can stretch my little legs.

I do hope that DHG raise the money they deserve, and am glad to be contributing. Let's just hope I can complete the distance!"

John Tyszkiewicz

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I will probably be running as Cap’n Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean – I will decide when I see the weather forecast as the outfit will be quite warm (Hat, coat, long trousers etc)

I am 46 years old, married to Bibi for 20+ years, father of 3 (19/17/14), work in the City. This will be my 15th London marathon since 1993 (I missed the 2000 race as I was running 150 miles across the Sahara at the time).

I do four or five marathons a year and usually a couple of “ultra distance” events – my favourite race distance is whatever can be realistically covered in one go (non stop), by a self sufficient runner – no support, no rest, no sleep. Depending on the terrain this is usually around 150 miles.

A few examples of races that I have competed in:

Cross Channel relay swim
Marathon des Sables – 150 miles, stage race, Sahara Desert
Iditasport 130 – 130 miles non stop footrace up the Iditarod Trail in Alaska in mid winter, towing my own sled
London to Brighton – 56 mile road race from London to, yes, you guessed it, Brighton
Spartathlon – 153 miles non stop from Athens to Sparta with 36 hour cut off.
Badwater – 130 mile race in mid summer though Death Valley from Badwater (lowest point in USA) to Mount Whitney.
Grand Union Canal Race – 147 mile non stop run from Birmingham to London along the Grand Union Canal
Devizes to Westminster - non stop 120 mile kayak race along the Kennet + Avon canal + Thames.
Finland Ice Marathon – 200km speed skating race on a frozen lake in Kuopio, Finalnd

I came back from this event late last week:

The Barkley Marathons – 100 mile non stop race in Tennessee – over 120,000 feet of elevation change over the course of the race, only 7 people have completed the race since 1985. Unfortunately I could not add to that number, but I will be back!

I have also run marathons in Delhi, Beirut, Paris, Marrakesh, San Francisco, New York and enjoy triathlons and have been a mini and youth coach at my local club for the last 11 years. Otherwise I do not get up to much.

I chose to support DHG as they fit my rather exacting criteria for a charity – help children and families, deliver a high proportion of ££ raised to where it matters, no glittery profile etc etc. I also have quite a few friends with children with Down’s Syndrome and I can appreciate the effort that parents go though.

Eifiona Williams

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'My name is Eifiona Williams and on the 13th April 2008 I will be taking part in my first London Marathon - I'll tell you after the 13th if it's going to be my last! Every year I've watched the marathon from the comfort of my sofa and have admired everyone taking part and have always thought what a fantastic achievement that must be. This year I find myself amongst the runners that I've admired.

The training has been going well and I even braved the hail and snow up in North Wales over the Easter break to complete my long run.

Having a work colleague who is heavily involved with the work of this charity made the decision easy and I am proud to be representing the Downs Heart Group.'