Subscribe to Whizz-Kidz NewsWhizz-Kidz marks another huge London Marathon success
On the morning of Sunday 25 April, London’s streets felt the pounding of 36,000 runners – around 600 of whom were fundraising for Whizz-Kidz – during the annual London Marathon.
Team Whizz-Kidz 2010
The Whizz-Kidz team including Minnie Mouse, a duck, Fred Flintstone, Willy Wonka, Gonzo, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and women in tutus was once again sponsored by Santander.
Runners came from all over the world including Australia, America, Africa and all over Europe in order to join the Whizz-Kidz team. They made it over in spite of problems with travel owing to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud. One amazing runner, Kate, completed the marathon having flown in from New York, arriving in Heathrow at 7am the morning of the race. Continuing her journey straight to the start line in Greenwich, she proudly completed the London Marathon sporting a red tutu with her Whizz-Kidz striped vest, battling not only the 26.2 miles but also jetlag!
Kate flew in from New York at 7am the morning of the London Marathon, her flight having been delayed because of the volcanic ash cloud! Not even jetlag dampened her enjoyment!
Kate is just one of the 600 dedicated people who, together, will help to raise around £1million for the charity – which will hugely help fund our work supporting young disabled people to gain their independence.
Thank you to everyone that ran on the day, and worked (and ran!) tirelessly to make a real difference to Whizz-Kidz.
To see many more pictures of the day (can you spot yourself?) you can visit our flickr (photo-sharing) webspage and facebook group.
Jess Leigh, London Marathon Coordinator at Whizz-Kidz said, “the day was a great success for Whizz-Kidz. We had five cheering points around the city and organised a pre-race team photo for the runners. We also put on a post-race reception where runners enjoyed much needed massages and a well-earned meal and drink. Feedback from our runners and their families has been extremely positive and we’re very grateful to Santander for helping us to make it such a success.”
Whizz-Kidz’s London Marathon ended around midday on Monday 26th April as Whizz-Kidz Ambassador Arunima Misra joined Iraq war veteran and prolific fundraiser Phil Packer for the 26th and final mile of his marathon. Packer, who suffered severe spinal cord injuries in 2008, walked 26 miles in 26 hours for 26 different charities and Whizz-Kidz was proud to be mile 26. Arunima, a trainee lawyer, described the experience of crossing the finishing line with Packer at the end of his 26 hour marathon.
“It was an amazing and emotional achievement crossing that finishing line with Phil Packer. I am so excited to have represented Whizz-Kidz on the last mile of this incredible challenge. Walking alongside the legendary Phil is truly an honour. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Whizz-Kidz and the equipment they gave me. This is my chance to give something back.”
Whizz-Kidz would like to extend our thanks to both Phil and Arunima for taking on this unique and exciting challenge for our cause. Please support Phil and Arunima’s challenge by visiting Phil and Arunima’s sponsorship page.
Each year around a million people come to watch the London Marathon which follows the course of the River Thames. From the start in Greenwich runners pass a number of famous London landmarks including the 140-year-old clipper ship, Cutty Sark, the Tower of London and London Eye, ending at Buckingham Palace. It is expected that after this year, the 30th London Marathon, the event will have raised over half a billion pounds for charity since it began in 1981.
To find out more about Marathon 2010, including our entire events schedule, go to Whizz-Kidz events
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