Once ‘unfit’ Gillian raises funds for the Calvert Trust in the London Marathon

RACQUETS Fitness Centre, Thame, member Gillian Brannan, took part in the London Marathon this year along with four other lady members of the club, just 18 months after, as she admited, she was unable to run for even a minute!

In the recent London Marathon, Gillian completed the full 26.2 miles in just 6 hours 8 minutes. Just 18 months ago, Gill was totally unfit and two stone heavier.  She said: “Taking part in the London Marathon and all the training and preparation that is needed for it is one the best achievements of my life.” She is so pleased with her achievement, that  Gill has entered the ballot for 2020 !

What is the Culvert Trust?

Running for the Calvert Trust, Gill has so far raised £1,501.96. The Calvert Trust provides people of all ages and all kinds of disability with the opportunity, through its centres in Keswick, Kielder and Exmoor, to participate in all kinds of outdoor activities including riding, sailing, swimming, rock-climbing, canoeing and much else. “It’s not what you can’t do, but what you can that counts,” the Trust believes.

Helping another runner in distress

Not only did Gillian manage the whole 26.2 miles but she also stopped to help and encourage a lady 30 years younger to get all the way round. Gill’s new London Marathon friend was running in memory of her recently departed mum and was so emotional that she was struggling to run. With Gill’s support the lady managed to complete the course.

Thanks to a gym that ‘isn’t intimidating’

Gill would like to thank everyone who encouraged her in her achievement, including her personal trainer, Nig Pattison and Racquets Fitness Centre, where Gill said: “I’ve joined gyms before but Racquets is the only one that I don’t find intimidating.”

“We are all very proud of Gill and her achievement,” said Sue Martin Downhill, Joint Director of Racquets Fitness Centre and Squash Academy.

If you’d like to add to Gillian’s fundraising total, you can visit: to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gillian-brannan