Exceptional fundraising effort by our marathon team

Seven runners raising funds for The Countryside Alliance Foundation (TCAF) completed the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27 April, raising over £38,000 to date. 

“We are very grateful to all those who dedicated their time to preparing for the marathon and for their incredible fundraising effort,” exclaimed Catrin Robinson, speaking on behalf of TCAF. 

“The entire team of runners have expressed how incredibly grateful they are to all those who donated to their fundraising pages and supported them throughout their training and on the big day,” continued Catrin. 

“It was a very warm day this year which made it tricky and testing at times, but again, on this 45^th year of the London Marathon the streets were lined with thousands of people and every one of the TCAF team was spurred on by the sight of family and friends in the crowd, offering them inspiration and motivation to complete this huge challenge.”

Charlotte Perfect set the tone for the day with a staggering 3 hours 15 minutes. Prior to the marathon she said that she was “so excited to run for the Foundation,” and that “the countryside has shaped her identity, and she was excited to be promoting the valuable causes that the countryside protects.”

This year has been one of the highest fundraising years for the Countryside Alliance Foundation, raising over £38,000 to date. The whole team worked hard not only in raising this huge amount of money, but training tirelessly over the cold, wet and windy winter months. It hasn’t been the easiest of winters to train for any endurance event. 

Jackie Howard-Jones who has raised almost £5,000, reflected: “Running the London Marathon was probably the most difficult thing I have ever had to do – mainly due to the heat on the day – but to have such amazing support from not only everyone at the Countryside Alliance but thousands and thousands of people along the way was truly awe inspiring and certainly spurred me onto the finish line! I feel honoured to have been able to take part and to run alongside people from all walks of life, some with severe disabilities. Thank you to the Countryside Alliance Foundation for allowing me to run for you!”

Peter Rymer, who has achieved the accolade of being our highest ever marathon fundraiser to date, hopes to reach £14,000. He completed the run alongside his daughter, Lottie, who was raising funds for Katherine House Hospice. Pete enjoyed running the race together and commented: “It was a lot of fun especially when I won by a belly on the line! At least we can now talk about something else around the kitchen table – swim the Channel”. Now there is an idea, Pete!

Ifigenia Arampelou also completed the London Marathon as part of the TCAF team. Ifigenia was one of many who could not have done it without the crowd and the support that come from the tens of thousands that line the course. She said, “Some people say running a marathon is all about training, but I’m convinced it’s about the support you get along the way! Sunday’s London Marathon, running for The Countryside Alliance Foundation, was a true test of spirit – and thanks to the incredible cheers and encouragement, we crossed the finish line together.”

Supporters of the Countryside Alliance team were lined along the course ready to cheer on the runners. It was a hot day and for some this created its struggles. Daisy Frampton who also completed in a brilliant 5 hours 1 minute, commented: “It was very hot but the most amazing atmosphere, the hardest but best experience of my life. And very emotional seeing my family and friends along the way and at the end!”

Over 50% of the runners this year were first timers. This included TCAF runner Emily Harbour who completed in 5 hours 18 minutes which was very impressive considering she has been suffering with painful shin splints throughout her training. 

Oliver Cornock, another first timer reflected that: “Running the marathon was an incredible experience. The sense of camaraderie was inspiring, and the crowds lining every part of the route – along with drummers, musicians and various performers – really lifted my spirits. It was, however, one of the hardest things I have ever done, which made the sense of achievement even greater, especially alongside raising money for the TCAF. I am so grateful to everyone who donated so generously and supported me along the way. If you’re thinking about signing up for next year’s event – do it!”

Donations to the runners’ fundraising pages are still being accepted, so please do visit the marathon hub page to donate here.