Huge thanks and congratulations to our four-strong MS Therapy Centre team who put in a magnificent performance in this year’s London Marathon on April 27. Here, in words and pictures, are their stories on a hot and challenging day!
KATIE WOOLF
This was EastEnd girl Katie’s second London Marathon, the local Highams Park runner having also taken part in marathons in Brighton and Manchester.
Here’s her story of this year’s run.
“It was an incredible day from start to finish.
“Despite the heat making it less than ideal for running, the weather brought out massive crowds. The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic and hearing my name shouted out all the way round was uplifting!
“I had loads of support along the way from my daughter Megan and many friends. Those hugs and banners kept me going!
“Running over Tower Bridge is always an iconic moment to savour and Buckingham Palace is an amazing sight to see, especially as it means the finish line is almost in view!
“The support has been really amazing and I feel grateful to have experienced the whole thing, finishing in 4 hours and 49 minutes.
“Thanks to Herts MS Therapy Centre for enabling me to run for you and also everyone who has sponsored and supported me.”
ALTUS BASSON
Altus, born in Cape Town and now living in Chingford, was running his second London Marathon.
“It was, like my first run, a truly amazing experience.
“The hot weather conditions weren’t ideal for us runners but the thousands of shrieking supporters lining the streets had a great time cheering us on.
“My training went really well and I felt prepared, starting off well. But I found the second half a bit tougher due to the heat.
“With the support of family and friends I managed to finish in 4 hours and 21 minutes. Not the time I was aiming for but a personal best.”
EVARINE CALITZ
For Evarine, a teacher from Free State Province in South Africa and more recently living in Chingford, this year’s London Marathon was her fourth.
“Brutal, hot but still the best on the planet! The atmosphere was amazing! After running the Rome marathon in March I knew this was not going to be easy.
“I ran most of the first half of the course but walked quite a bit of the second, finishing in 5 hours and 47 minutes.
“Thanks to this wonderful charity for giving me this opportunity. It was a bonus to share it with my wonderful friends Katie and Altus!”
DAVID LEWIS
Our very own ‘Mr Marathon’! David, originally from nearby Welwyn Garden City but now living in Littlehampton, West Sussex was running in his 935th marathon!
“Wow, this year must have been one of the warmest on record. I am normally in control but this time right from the start it was about survival.
“My goodness it was a tough run, calling on all my experience to keep going. After what seemed an eternity I finished in 4 hours and 37 minutes achieving a ‘good for age qualifying time’ for the 2026 event.
“All in all another long but amazing day and I feel so privileged to have run 43 consecutive London Marathons.
“Big thanks to Herts MS Therapy Centre!”