London Marathon 2024 completed for Spinal Research!!
Well what can I say!? What an experience that was and it’s true what they say the crowds really do push you through it. There were times in the race I’m not going to lie but I was struggling a few moments with shoulder and forearms in some discomfort.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me to start with Rehasense UK for giving me a track wheel to compete which gave me more confidence in the race, the donations, my mum and Alice for getting me to the race and back, seeing Clare Hazell at mile one and has helped me prepare mentally, my brother Danny, Phoebe and Felicity.
Most of all Scott who was beside me the whole way to help me achieve the biggest goal of my life I wouldn’t of done it without him.
Wayne sets sight on his next challenge
This time last month or so I was just days away from one of the biggest challenges of my life. Following months of rigorous, often soul-destroying training, I was getting ready to join the starting line of my first ever marathon – London 2024.
In 2008, a fall over hurdles at Exeter racecourse resulted in damage to my head, neck and spinal column, putting me in a wheelchair. Despite these life-changing injuries, my focus and positivity remained and my dedication to rehabilitation kept myself as fit and strong as possible.
Having recently turned 40, I wanted to do something huge to celebrate and the London Marathon certainly didn’t disappoint. Despite the day being in my words, the ‘toughest since my accident 16 years ago’ he completed the iconic race in 6 hours and 38 minutes and raised over £3500 for spinal research in the process.
Since 2021, I have been based at the Injured Jockey Fund’s Oaksey House and he is grateful for all their support in his training for the marathon – especially Scott Reed, my support runner, and marathon regular Clare Hazell. They are also helping me train for his next challenge which is The Big Half on Sunday 1st September – a 13.1 mile course that sets off from Tower Bridge and weaves towards the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, passing many other London landmarks on the way.
It doesn’t end there though, I also plan on tackling the London Marathon again in 2025, using everything I learned this time round to try and beat my time and raise vital funds for another charity close to my heart.
