A COVENTRY runner said it felt “amazing” to complete the London Marathon in just over four hours on Sunday.
Helen Herniman completed the gruelling 26.2 mile course in aid of The Children’s Society – a charity which supported her father when he was a child after he lost both of his parents.
The 50-year-old, who only started running for the first time last year, has already raised more than £2,200 for the charity’s work with the most vulnerable children across the country suffering abuse, hardship and neglect.
Helen said: “Crossing the finish line was a big personal achievement and I’m so proud to have supported such a vital cause.
“The nine months’ training was hard but worth it.
“Some parts of the race were really tough but I know those miles won’t be as challenging as the experiences some children have to face every day.
“Knowing I was helping vulnerable young people across the country pulled me through the hardest times.”
Helen was supported in her fundraising efforts by the Leicester Tigers, who donated a signed shirt that was auctioned off for £300. The Rotary donated £250 and her friends and colleagues were generous contributors too.
Stephanie Drummond, The Children’s Society’s head of events, said: “Helen’s inspiring efforts and passion to help young people are humbling and we hope other people are motivated by them.
“Every mile relentlessly accomplished by our runners will have raised funds to help us continue our life-changing work with children who often have nowhere else to turn.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/Helen-Herniman/ to donate to Helen’s London Marathon effort.
