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Going that extra mile W James Pithers proudly shows off his medal after completing the gruelling 26-mile London Marathon
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olunteer Ann Hamilton, 78, was visiting New Zealand when the earthquake struck in February. Ann was looking around Christchurch Cathedral just as the 6.3 magnitude quake hit. “All of a sudden there was this shaking,” she explains. “We were told to get out as quickly as possible and get away from any buildings.” Told to walk down the middle of the road, Ann was shocked by the destruction around her. “It was all reminiscent to me of living through the Blitz in London in the Second World
War,” she describes. “I feel very lucky to be alive.” Ann, who works at St Richard’s Hospital’s outpatients tea bar in Bognor Regis, described how happy people have been to see her on her return. “I’ve had so many hugs from people. Everyone has been so kind and helpful. People were very concerned about me. They couldn’t get hold of me. They phoned the British Embassy and then the Red Cross and I was put on the missing persons list for a while.” We’re very glad you are all right, Ann.
RVS performed brilliantly at this year’s London Marathon. All of our eight runners completed the 26mile run, including staff members James Pithers and Darren Xiberras, and raised more than £10,000 for WRVS. James completed the marathon in four hours and 40 minutes and Darren came in at five hours and 17 minutes, both excellent times and a brilliant achievement. Another runner for WRVS, Stephen Tovey, ran in memory of his mum who volunteered for WRVS. Stephen completed the marathon in an amazing three hours and six minutes. “I just wanted to say a big personal thank you for all of the help, sponsorship and support over the last 16 weeks of marathon training culminating
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in the Virgin London Marathon,” says Darren. “The sponsorship made a real difference. I never considered stopping, knowing that I had promised to raise this money for WRVS.” James adds: “Running the London Marathon has always been a personal goal. I am proud to have raised money and run for WRVS as I don’t just work for our charity, it’s a cause that I am passionate about and it’s great to know the money we’ve raised will make a real difference to the lives of older people all over the country.” If you’ve gained a place in any running event we’d love you to run for WRVS. We’d also like volunteers to support us at cheering stations in the next London Marathon. Call our Supporter Care Team on 0845 607 6524 for more information.
“Earthquake was like the Blitz” Christchurch Cathedral, New Zealand
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