The 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon raised a record-breaking £63.7m for charity, setting a new world record for an annual single day fundraising event. And a small amount of that money was raised by our very own Roddy Forster, who was running on behalf of Asthma UK.
He says: “Asthma UK is a fantastic charity which works to stop asthma attacks and, ultimately, cure asthma. The training was a challenge, including lunchtimes along Felixstowe prom, however when you see the record funds raised for so many worthy causes – it puts everything into perspective. I was proud to take part.”
This was Roddy’s first marathon and as he says: “It doesn’t get any easier but the feeling you get when you cross the finishing line is incredible. I finished the route in 5 hours and 23 minutes, but it’s not about that. It’s the raising money for such a good cause and the team spirit that’s with you every step of the way.”
According to the event organisers, the new record was an increase of more than £2m on the previous record total of £61.5m raised from the 2017 event. This brings the overall sum raised for charity since inception to more than £955m.
“A big thank you to everyone who supported me,” says Roddy.