Joanne conquers marathon for charity

Joanne Clough (40), of Bramley, started running one year ago after a life-changing diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome.

Running has helped the specialist stroke nurse at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust to manage her condition.

She completed the Virgin London Marathon on in 5 hours and 57 minutes, raising £2,404.50 for the Purple Butterfly Appeal.

The appeal seeks to build a fourth Purple Butterfly Room at Rotherham Hospital.

The rooms offer privacy, comfort and dignity to end-of-life patients and their loved ones.

Joanne said: “Taking part in the London Marathon, for a charity which is really close to my heart, has been one of the highlights of my life.

“Apart from having my daughter and getting married, I can’t think of anything better — it was wonderful and something I’ll never forget.”

Hot weather on race day made the event “incredibly challenging,” said Joanne, who would like to have finished it quicker.

But the pavement-pounder is determined to run it again one day and set a new personal best.

“The atmosphere was incredible,” said Joanne. “Listening to all the musical entertainment and enjoying the iconic sights of London on the way around kept me going.”

Joanne was the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s first official London Marathon runner.

She signed up to help honour the memory of her mother Linda Pritchard (66), who died five years ago after battling multiple sclerosis.

Linda was also a nurse, working in coronary care at Rotherham Hospital for over 30 years.

Joanne added: “Having high-functioning autism makes me a really focused and determined person and I wanted to harness that energy and use it for something good like honouring my mum’s memory.

“I also wanted to prove to myself that autism would not hold me back. I’m sure my mum would also have been really proud of me.

“I know my family would definitely have benefited from a home-from-home facility like the Purple Butterfly room when my mum passed away.

“I’d like to thank all my colleagues on the Stroke Unit, particularly Caroline Bradley and Jacky Fairfax, my friends at Rotherham Harriers and Athletics Club and my family for supporting me.”

To help her reach her fundraising target, Joanne also held a race night at the Three Horseshoes Pub, Wickersley, a quiz night at the Ravenfield Arms in Rotherham plus various cake sales at Rotherham Hospital.

Barry Mellor, chair of the charitable funds committee, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Joanne’s fundraising efforts at the London Marathon.

“She really is a fantastic ambassador for the charity.

“Thank you to everyone who supported her, whether by sponsoring her or cheering her on during her training.”

Visit tinyurl.com/joclough to support Joanne’s marathon effort online.