Update on the day!
What a day it was yesterday! Such a fantastic experience and so glad I managed to finish my first ever marathon in London. The crowds were fab and I had lots of support on the route from our children, family and friends. My husband also managed to get a place in the marathon so we had each other which helped us both to keep going. We completed the marathon in 5 hours and 5 minutes and we are so proud of ourselves.
I’d like to thank everybody who has donated to OPA and helped me raise £1300 for this amazing charity such a worthy cause! When we lost Dad to oesophageal cancer 16 years ago at age 51 we didn’t know much about the cancer and there didn’t seem to be much awareness of it! I’m so glad OPA are here for both patients and their families- you’re doing an amazing job thank you.
A huge thank you to Lauren for choosing to support our charity through your fundraising. Taking on such an iconic challenge is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful for your commitment and support.
Lauren’s Story
“After years of trying to get a place it’s finally my turn to run the 26.2 miles. I know it’s going to be a very tough challenge (physically and mentally) but I’m feeling it’s the right time in my life to pursue it! Running long distances has never been a hobby of mine however running the London Marathon has always been on my bucket list!
For those of you that know me you may know I lost my Dad to Oesophageal Cancer in 2010. Dad was the most caring family man always wanting to make everybody laugh with his humour and jokes, my childhood was so much fun and full of love. This cancer took my dad, aged 51, from me and my family within months of diagnosis and left a big hole in our lives. Therefore I have chosen to raise money for the OPA Cancer Charity who support people and their families who have Oesophageal and Gastric Cancers (www.opa.org.uk). I would really appreciate donations of any amount to support this charity.
My training for the marathon has already started and I plan to take part in shorter distance races in the run up building my strength, stamina and confidence running distances. For those who have ran a marathon I’m up for any tips you may have that will help me in my marathon journey.
Thank you all I’m sure it will be a long, emotional journey of ups and downs but passing that finish line on The Mall on 26th April 2026 will be an achievement I have longed for since watching the marathon on TV as a child. I’ll post occasional updates along my training journey.”
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/lauren-windridge
