Jewish Care

Marathon runners raise cash for Jewish Care

Jewish Care, the leading health and social care charity, will benefit from thousands of pounds thanks to the dedication and commitment of the charity’s supporters who did the Flora London Marathon on Sunday 13th April.

The fastest was 27-year-old tax consultant Richard Cahill, from Finchley, who ran past the finishing post in 4 hours 19 minutes 18 seconds. He said: “I’ve always wanted to run the London Marathon so I’m absolutely delighted. It was a bit frustrating as I wanted to get round in four hours but my knee started to hurt after 19 or 20 miles, which slowed me down. The support from the crowd was fantastic and I was so happy to see my family and friends. It was an amazing day.”

Richard and his wife are “young patrons” of Jewish Care “so I know the good work the charity does. I had a sponsorship target when I started training which remained secret. But I’m delighted to have broken the £2,000 barrier and when one of my sponsors heard how well I’d done he said he would double his offer. “

Quantity surveyor James Garner, 31, from Bushey, finished in 4 hours 31 minutes 32 seconds. “I’m still alive,” he said with a smile on his face, adding: “I stuck to my plan – I had a few twinges – but it was good fun, very enjoyable.” He conceded that the last ten miles were “a bit tough.” He added: I’m taking a day off work to rest my bones!”

Jewish Care’s youngest runner, administrator Lee Benson, 19, from Pinner, finished in 5 hours 30 minutes 12 seconds. “I’m a bit sore because I hurt my back. I expected the race to be hard – I’m glad it’s over.” Lee hopes to raise £1500 for the charity.

Homeopath Karin Hirsch, 49, from Elstree, also sustained injuries, finishing in 7 hours 24 minutes 12 seconds. “I am really pleased to have finished and thank Jewish Care for giving me this opportunity. My knee has been a problem and I was in so much pain that it slowed me down. The support has been fantastic and I am delighted to have raised around £2,000. I’m having a day off work to relax in a spa!”

“It’s impossible to exaggerate the devotion of people who are prepared to give up their free time to raise money in this way for vulnerable members of the community – we are very grateful to our runners,” said Jewish Care’s chief executive Simon Morris.