Tim runs up £3,500 for charity by completing virtual London Marathon
TIM Hartwell, who lives and works in Derby, has raised nearly £3,500 for Habitat for Humanity GB after completing this year’s London Marathon virtually.
One of the most popular marathons in the world, which usually takes place in April, had been postponed until 4 October, with organisers then taking the decision to only make this year’s marathon available to professional runners.
They did, however, encourage members of the public to do their own virtual runs in their local area, recording their own times.
Tim, who is group head of design at Miller Homes, which has its regional headquarters on Pride Park, set out his own route for the 26.2-mile run.
Starting from his parents’ house in Smalley, Tim ran through Shipley Park, then into Derby and all the way to Attenborough nature reserve in Nottingham.
His run was in aid of Habitat for Humanity, Miller Homes’ corporate charity partner which aims to alleviate long-term poverty by providing families with a safe place to live and thrive.
Running with a close friend and cheered on by members of his family, Tim completed the marathon in 4h 23m 57s and was rewarded with a homemade medal from his little boy at the finish line.
Tim said: “It was my first marathon and extremely tough, but it feels amazing to have completed it.
“On a personal level, it feels like a real achievement but equally important is that it was for a really important cause. Through working at Miller Homes, I’ve learned so much over the last few years about the fantastic work of Habitat for Humanity to provide those in poverty with a safe, secure place to call home and I was honoured to have been selected to run the London Marathon on their behalf.
“Although it didn’t quite work out as planned, I’m delighted to have raised almost £3,500 to support Habitat’s work, well over my original £2,000 target, and I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me.
“I’m also hoping to have secured a place running for Habitat for Humanity in the 2022 London marathon and look forward to experiencing the real event and atmosphere in a couple of years.”
For anyone who would still like to donate and sponsor Tim, they can by clicking the following link: https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ fundraiser-display/showROFundrais erPage?pageId=1087665