Eye Hospital Represented at London Marathon

In London, it’s that time of year again and our Charterhouse Mews office Administration Executive, Ms. Lisa Smith, has bravely agreed to run the London Marathon, on 25 April, on behalf of our Charity. Here, Lisa explains why…

“For the last twenty years I have been surrounded by running events – short distance, half marathons and London Marathons – turning up to each in support of my father who runs for Charity every year. There is no better atmosphere than that of the London Marathon and apparently no better feeling than finishing the gruelling 26.2 miles! It has always been an ambition of mine to be part of that and complete it.

I have dedicated the last two years to my baby son and, as I’m not getting any younger, I have decided that 2010 is my year. Having been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis over ten years ago, this is the first and only Marathon I shall be taking part in.

I started my training casually in the autumn of 2009 with a steady increase in miles. Since the beginning of this year, and with the excitement and nerves starting to build as the countdown begins, it has been a case of out with the unhealthy food, late nights and alcohol, and in with the training programmes, early nights and carbohydrates. So far my training is progressing nicely – although I have decided that I will set no time frame for finishing the race. It’s more important to just finish in one piece!

Taking part in the Marathon will not only be fulfilling a personal goal, it is my absolute pleasure to be running and raising money for St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group – a worthy Charity for whom I have enjoyed working for almost two years. I shall be following in the footsteps of my colleagues, Nicky Wynne and Alex Burrough, who took part in 2009 and I hope I can make everyone proud.”

If you would like to support our interpid runner, as well as our Charity, you can do so at www.virginmoneygiving.com and searching for Lisa C Smith, or by following this link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Lisa_C_Smith. 

Thank you!