Runners brave the heat for Asthma UK
23 April 2007

Asthma UK’s 350-strong team braved the unseasonal heat to raise vital funds for the charity in the 2007 Flora London Marathon.

Cheered on by Asthma UK staff and volunteers, positioned at cheering stations throughout the course, the team was among 36,391 people taking part in the biggest – and hottest – London Marathon to date.

Asthma UK runner Sunil Duggal was running his third marathon. He said:

'Despite the heat I really enjoyed the race. The supporters were great and the cheers from the Asthma supporter points made such a massive difference. When you’re struggling a bit, the supporter points become a huge focus – knowing that in a mile you are going to get a big cheer puts a smile on your face!

'I finished the race in 4 hours 50 minutes. That’s about 35 minutes slower than my fastest time, but given the heat I was just happy to get round.'

Another Asthma UK team member, Kate Pollard, was running her second marathon. After coming home in a time of 4 hours 47 minutes she said:

'Running the marathon for Asthma UK was a fantastic experience. It was so hot, but the support from the crowds – especially at the Asthma UK cheering stations – was fantastic.

'I was going well up to about mile 17 - on track for time under four hours - when my knee gave way. I had to hobble until about mile 20, when I saw my mum and the pain killers were beginning to work!'

Once over the finish line, team members were invited to a post-race reception, where they were reunited with family and friends and given a well-deserved massage.

Francine Heggie, Asthma UK’s Events Officer, said that each member of the team had made a huge contribution to Asthma UK.

'Once again Asthma UK’s Marathon team has done us proud,' she said. 'Our runners, volunteers and supporters have made the 2007 London Marathon our biggest and best yet and we would like to say a huge thank you to them all. Many members of our team have asthma but, as their efforts demonstrate, the condition needn’t be a barrier to sporting activity.'

Marathon stories from other Asthma UK runners

Chris Jones
'I would like to thank everyone at Asthma UK for giving me the opportunity to run in such a fantastic event. This was my first marathon and the support from the crowds and especially the Asthma UK supporter points really kept me going and helped me reach my target time of less than 3 hours 45 minutes. Thanks to all the team and volunteers who made it a memorable day for me and my family and well done for organising everything so well. It was a privilege to be part of the Asthma UK team.'

Paul Grummett (AKA PLONKER)
'Just like to thank everyone on the London Marathon course - especially the groups of Asthma supporters. They gave a huge lift to the runners and without them many would not had the effort to finish. Also a big thank you to the runners. Everyone was pulling together - sharing drinks, gels and most importantly encouragement.

'This was my first marathon, but it certainly won't be my last.
I expect to beat my time next year and raise more money for Asthma UK.'

Sarah Assen
'Sunday was such an amazing day and one I will never forget. I didn’t meet the target time I set myself, but as it was my first time I was so happy to complete the course and raise money for Asthma UK. As I was diagnosed with Asthma at the age of 9 this meant so much to me.

'The Asthma UK supporter points were fantastic and I was really helped along by the cheers of encouragement each time I went past them. Thanks to all of you who waited so patiently for me to show up!'

Mark Lucas
'My first ever marathon! Great support from the Asthma cheer stations! My wife even joined them and shouted at people as they went past. It was a bit on the warm side so I was a bit slower than I hoped for, but finished and have been wearing my medal all day!'

Lorna Simpkin
'Sunday was my first ever marathon and although it was hot the support form spectators and the Asthma Army cheering on from various locations certainly helped me to pound the miles and make it back home. Thanks to you all.

'I ran in memory of my nine-year-old nephew Jake who sadly suffered a fatal asthma attack three years ago. Remembering him calling my name as he came to my back door on one visit and blowing bubbles in the background of almost all my official wedding photographs helped me to cross the finish line when the last 600 metres seemed so far away.'

Antony Wootton
'Wow! What an experience, what a fantastic charity and what an amazing group of supporters - what a very special day! I ran with my dad, who, over the past 16 years has run some 56 marathons! Having had asthma all my life it seemed fitting that we should run for the charity.

'Thank you to everyone from Asthma UK, the other runners and their supporters, the officials, stewards, police, security and general public and most of all thank you to my dad. He is much quicker than me, but stayed with me throughout and we finished together. The camaraderie between Asthma UK runners was great and I would love to know if Liam beat the 5-hour mark when he left us at 19 miles?'