Author Haruki Murakami writes in What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: “Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that’s the essence of running, and a metaphor for life.”
There are few purer showcases of this than the marathon, and there’s no marathon greater than London, where Dr Richard Latten and Dr Matt James recently excelled with their fantastic athletic and fundraising achievements.
Dr Richard Latten is Deputy Director of Wellbeing at Liverpool School of Medicine as well as Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Wirral University Teaching Hospital and Wirral Hospice St Johns.
He ran in aid of Wirral Hospice (link) finishing in an impressive 4 hours, 16 minutes and 14 seconds.
“I'm still buzzing (and aching!) from the experience of my first ever marathon in London. It's hard to find words to describe what it has meant to me. Over the last 6 months since gaining a charity place to run for the hospice I work at, I've gone through so many emotions. Ranging from happiness to fear, feeling the pressure to fundraise and train but with a great sense of purpose and focus leading up to the event, to feelings of exhaustion, relief and achievement when crossing the finish line."
I originally put myself forward for the marathon to challenge myself, boost my own wellbeing while also raising vital funds for a charity close to my heart. I could never have imagined how much the journey from application to finish line would affect me.
"From anxiety over every minor injury and niggle leading up to the race, the relief of getting to the start line intact, to the sheer joy of hearing the cheering crowds lining the route.
Connecting with people along the way has been another major bonus, including meeting Dr Matt James during the marathon itself (I was so excited to see a friendly face I may have hugged him!) The whole journey has been so memorable. Would I do it again given the opportunity? Absolutely!”
- Dr Richard Latten has raised over £4000 for his chosen charity. Donations can still be made via his Virgin Money Giving page (link).
Dr Matt James is Supratheme Lead for Patient in the Community Setting at Liverpool School of Medicine and GP partner at St Georges Medical Centre, Wirral.
He ran in support of Tomorrow’s Women Wirral (link) and finished in an amazing 4 hours, 49 minutes and 4 seconds.
“This was my first ever Marathon, although because of cancellations and postponements due to the pandemic I had to train for it three times since I entered in April 2019! I now find my joints are all 2.5 years older and training got harder by the week.
I ran the London Marathon in support of Tomorrow's Women, a wonderful local charity, which has become even more important considering the impact of lockdowns. As a local GP I see the benefit women get from attending Tomorrow’s Women Wirral. They offer support and guidance to some of the most vulnerable women in society who are often at the lowest point in their lives."
I know of women whose lives have been transformed by their work and have gone on to volunteer and support other women in similar difficult situations, through the charity.
"Personally, women have had a very strong influence on my life, from my mum, to my wife, who inspired me to do the London Marathon, and more recently my wonderful daughter - and training partner. They have helped make me the man I am today!
The marathon was a huge personal challenge for me as I'm not built for running and I would be better off swimming the distance! I am deeply grateful for all of the support I have received along the way.”
- Dr Matt James has raised nearly £2000 for this worthy cause. Donations can still be made via his Local Giving page (link).