London Marathon runners do Rotherham — and their charities — proud

Maddy Corr, Sarah Wilding, Laura Lee and Ian Chester all put their best feet forward in the name of Rotherham.

London first-time Maddy (35) was running for Rush House, which helps homeless people, and made it round in five hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds.

Sarah (25) is supporting The Children’s Society to the tune of £2,700 and completed the course in four hours, 14 minutes and 22 seconds, while Laura, representing Rotherham Hospital’s Purple Butterfly Appeal, crossed the finish line in four hours and 29 minutes exactly.

Business Ian Chester, the managing director of Yorkshire Windows, raised £3,000 for Rotherham dementia charity Lost Chord by finishing his run in four hours and 55 minutes.

University worker Maddy, of East Dene, described her marathon as the best and hardest experience of her life.

“After mile 20, every single mile feels like 1,000 miles but it’s like mind over matter, you just have to keep on pushing,” she said.

"It was a fantastic atmosphere - everyone is cheering you on and calling your name."

Maddy said she was hoping her fundraising total would reach £2,000.

Scientist Laura (35) made sure she stood out on Sunday — poised with bold pink hair and brightly coloured shorts for the race.

Although admitting she was “very nervous” on the train journey into the capital, Laura said the marathon overall was “a fantastic experience”.

Laura ran the marathon for her grandmother Emily Port (88) — who spent her final days in one of Rotherham Hospital’s private end-of-life suites, and raised £2,000 for the hospital’s Purple Butterfly Appeal.

“The route was lined with people cheering everyone on irrespective of the charities we were running for, which created a wonderful atmosphere and spurred me on,” said Laura, of Troon Walk, Dinnington.

Marketing assistant Sarah, who lives with an incurable health condition, said her London Marathon effort had helped to prove anything is achievable.

The former Rotherham Harrier, who has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, said the experience was “incredible”.

Speaking about the toughest part of the route, she said: “Seeing my family and friends at the cheer spots around the course spurred me on to cross that finish line. 

“Coming down The Mall it took a lot to stop myself crying at the support and incredible atmosphere. 

“I wanted to prove no matter where you are from or what challenges you face you can make a real difference and achieve anything.”