Running the London Marathon is on many people’s bucket list. It’s a brilliant way to raise funds for a fantastic cause and create some amazing memories. If you choose to run for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, our dedicated fundraising team will be with you all the way and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you are making a big impact on a small charity.
The CLDF marathon team is made up people of all ages and experience- like Paul and Liz Jenkins who chose to run the marathon this year to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary.
The charity has been an important one to the couple ever since their grandson, who is now 20, was born with a rare liver disease.
“Finn is doing really well now” says Liz, who is 70. “He loves the great outdoors. He’s currently spending his second season working at a ski resort in France and when he’s home he works on the river. But over the years and especially in those early days, our family received great support from CLDF, and fundraising is our way of giving something back.”
The couple are both keen runners. Seventy-two year old Paul started running at the first Reading Half Marathon back in 1983. He is still a Reading Road Runner and, over the years, has completed 27 London Marathons and 18 other marathons. Liz, who took up running in 1988, has run eight London Marathons to date.
“We decided last year that running the London Marathon together would be a great way to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and raise funds for a charity which means a lot to us,” she explained.
“We were joined by my running buddy, Gill Douglas who was running her first marathon. We had great support from family, friends and neighbours including the Bournemouth Joggers – of whom Gill and I are members.
“It was an amazing day. The weather conditions were perfect and the spectators were 100% behind us, congratulating us as we ran. It was certainly tough after 18 miles – not so much for Paul as he had to go slow!
“We knew so many people all around the course we must have stopped for hugs, photos and chats with 20 different people. There was also one interview and two loo stops. Despite this, the three of us finished together in five hours 52 minutes, just under the six hours I had expected. We’re delighted about this and also about the combined total of £8,200 we have raised for CLDF.”
If you’ve been awarded a ballot place and you’d like to join Team CLDF, simply email fundraising@childliverdisease.org and we shall be in touch.
As part of Team CLDF we provide you with:
- An exclusive CLDF running vest
- Dedicated fundraising support, advice and top tips to help you hit your target
- Regular email updates and links with other Team CLDF runners
- Help with local press and publicity
- Information and updates on how your support helps change lives
- The biggest cheers on the day from our fundraising volunteers, plus a post-race reception to meet your fellow team members
- And importantly, the amazing feeling that comes with knowing you’re making a real difference to children living with liver disease
Hey I am running the London half marathon In March I would like to be considered for the London marathon