Racquets members raise £15,566.62 by running London Marathon

RACQUETS Fitness Centre members Lauren Addis, Claire Finch, Rachael Parrey, Trish Clempson and Gillian Brannan, who all took part in the London Marathon recently, are still buzzing and counting the funds they have received between in sponsorship for their chosen charities.

Sue Martin Downhill, a Director at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame, explained: “They had all been training hard since before Christmas last year in order to be fit for the challenge. Everyone at the club has been following their training in awe of the amount of time they have had to put in and all had highs and lows throughout their preparation. For all of the girls getting to the start line was a huge team effort – each with their own supporting squad.

“They each have their own stories to tell,” wrote Sue. “Our class instructor Claire Finch, running for AGE UK, was beset by injury throughout the training and has needed chiropractor work and massage throughout the time. Claire did a lot of runs with Rachael Parrey as preparation alongside another competitor is always good motivation. Finishing in 5 hours and 15 minutes Claire was very happy to reach the finish line where many of her family were waiting for her. She has so far raised £3,304.28 which is an amazing amount.

“Rachael, running for Bowel & Cancer Research, also finished in a good time of 5 hours and 33 minutes and has raised an incredible £4,145. Lauren Addis, running for Royal Osteoporosis Society has raised £2,567.86. She has flourished throughout the training and finished in a fantastic 4 hours and 10 minutes. Lauren has already applied for next year’s London Marathon and has entered the Brighton event for 2020 too.

“Gillian Brannan, running for the Calvert Trust, has raised £1501.96. Gill couldn’t run for even a minute when she first started training with her Personal Trainer Nig Pattison. Eighteen months later and 2 stone lighter ,Gill has entered for 2020. While running her first marathon Gill stopped to help a lady 30 years her junior who was crying and trying to complete the marathon in memory of her mum. Gill ran the rest of the way with the lady encouraging her all the way. Gill says that the London Marathon 2019 was the best thing she has ever achieved. (Read Gillian’s story HERE)

“Trish Clempson, running for the Down’s Syndrome Association, has raised £4,047.52. This year, 2019, is a special year for Trish and what a way to celebrate turning 50 ! As soon as the other girls found out that Trish was running they all banded together to get each other through. Running the iconic London Marathon has been a dream made reality for Trish and she will never forget that incredible feeling of crossing that finish line!

“All the ladies agreed how hard the challenge of the marathon is on the body but also agreed how much they enjoyed the experience – especially reaching the end!” concluded Sue.

Here are their finishing times :
Lauren Addis – 4 hours 10 minutes – £2,567.86 Royal Osteoporosis Society
Trish Clempson – 5 hours 6 minutes – £4,047.52 the Down’s Syndrome Association
Claire Finch – 5 hours 15 minutes – £3,304.28 AGE UK
Rachael Parrey – 5 hours 33 minutes – £4,145 Bowel & Cancer Research
Gillian Brannan – 6 hours 8 minutes – £1501.96 the Calvert Trust

All the girls would like to send their heartfelt thanks to all who supported them in raising funds for a charity very close to each of their hearts. They have all been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and family with their time and donations.