Two courageous and fit members of Provide staff completed the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon in April and one selfless employee volunteered to help out on the day.
The race took place on a very hot day and was in fact the hottest London Marathon on record. This obviously made the challenge far greater but our brave members of staff Louisa Kirby (Team Lead Physiotherapist at Springfield Green Clinic) and Laura Hembling (Specialist Podiatrist) successfully completed the race and both raised significant amounts of money for their respective charities. The Provide Governors agreed to match fund their fundraising efforts.
Hannah Cotterrill (Physiotherapist at Springfield Green Clinic) volunteered to help runners with musculoskeletal problems such as cramp or sprains by using ice, massage and stretches. Due to the heat wave, she also directed people to the doctors if they needed medical input as well. Hannah said: “Being able to help people reach their goal near the end of the race was a great experience and overall the atmosphere was amazing.”
Louisa Kirby raised money for Coram which is a long-established children’s charity and works with children from abusive homes to rebuild their lives in the safety of a new, loving adoptive family. Together with Provide’s match funding, Louisa was the top fundraiser for Coram at this year’s marathon.
Louisa completed the marathon in 4 hours 45 minutes. Click here to view her results and see some photos.
Laura Hembling raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society. The charity is close to Laura’s heart as she has sadly lost family members to the disease. As a podiatrist she also comes into contact with patients on a daily basis that are suffering from the varying types of dementia and the team always try their best to make the experience as positive as possible for these patients and their families. The team see the struggles that they go through and often the lack of information and/or support that they have.
Laura completed the marathon in 4 hours 39 minutes and felt so unwell immediately afterwards that there are unfortunately no photographs. Laura is now fit and well and very pleased with her fundraising total.
Many congratulations to Louisa and Laura. We are all proud of your commitment and fundraising successes.
