On the 22nd of April 2018, our Finance Manager – Sarah Griffin took on her first, Virgin Money London Marathon.

Following months of preparation and regular training, Sarah joined 40,000 runners at the starting line at Blackheath after securing her own ballot entry into the event, with her pledge of all sponsorship being donated to the SANDS, Stillbirth & neonatal death charity, who this year is also celebrating 40 years of support.

Hosted in one the largest cities in the world, this years’ London marathon brought together elite athletes, celebrities and everyday runners including those in fancy dress, who all partnered together to complete the gruelling 26.2 miles.

With the Queen officially opening the race from the grounds of Windsor Castle, the route passed through some of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The London Eye and finishing in real royal glory in front of Buckingham Palace.

On one of hottest days of the year and certainly in the London Marathon history, Sarah started the race feeling anxious and nervous with the challenge ahead, however, she triumphantly finished the race with an amazing time of 5 hours, 24 minutes and 36 seconds suffering from only two minor blisters at the end of the event. And what’s more impressive, she even turned up for work on Monday morning!

Sarah’s amazing achievement raised over £1,350 that contributed to the phenomenal £88,610.13 in total raised for the charity. These funds will help ensure there is a bereavement midwife and bereavement suite in every hospital in the UK whilst helping to implement a National Bereavement Care Pathway that ensures every parent from every background receives equally excellent bereavement care.

“The Virgin Money London Marathon 2018 really was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you to each and every-one of my supporters who not only encouraged me with kind words and met me at the finish line, but who also helped me to raise vital funds for SANDs, a charity close to my heart.” Sarah Griffin.

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