Runners are delighted aseffort raises charity cash

On Sunday, the miles of training came to fruition as city runners joined thousands of others taking part in the London Marathon.

For many, the time completing the 26 mile course was not as important as the cash raised for charity as a tribute to loved ones.

Zoe King (32) from Stanground was one of many runners taking part to raise money for Sue Ryder - but only had three months training before the big day.

Zoe said: “One of my colleagues at Coloplast passed away at Thorpe Hall.

“I wanted to do something, and started looking. I contacted the charity’s head office, and there was one space left on the marathon.”

Despite suffering an injury 12 weeks into training, Zoe managed to complete the marathon on Sunday, raising £1,500 for the cause.

Jay Faull was also raising money for Sue Ryder, collecting more than £2,400.

The 35-year-old from Woodston said: “For me, collecting the money has been so much more than completing the marathon.

“Friends, family and work have been so supportive and helpful.”

Nene Park Academy PE teacher Denise Korkmaz (48)raised more than £500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said: “My dad has cancer and I wanted to do the marathon so he could see me run.

“He was able to follow my progress, and could see how I was doing from home.

“He is better now, but it was a very special thing to be able to do.”

A number of runners took part as part of ‘Team Bacon’ in memory of former teacher Martin Bacon who died in 2013.

Steve Howard, principal at Nene Park Academy was one of the runners, completing the iconic race in just under five hours.

He said: “I met Martin a long time ago. It is down to his vision Nene Park Academy is the school it is now.”

Mark Woods, executive principal of Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust, which Nene Park Academy is a part of, added:” The support all the runners had was fantastic. The Sue Ryder cheer points at mile 14 and mile 22 were amazing - it was at about mile 22 when my legs started to go.”

Along with the marathon, a number of other fundraising events have been held , with £13,000 being raised in Mr Bacon’s memory so far.

For more information visit www.justgiving.com/Team-bacon1