Melissa’s ready for real thing!
RUNNER LOOKING FORWARD TO HER FIRST LONDON MARATHON
A WOMAN who ran a virtual London Marathon when the real thing was cancelled last year will finally get to tackle the famous course tomorrow.
Melissa Potts was in training for the 2020 London Marathon when the pandemic hit and her ambition had to be put on hold.
Now, she cannot wait to put her running shoes on to finally take part in the 26.2-mile event around the capital tomorrow.
Melissa, 26, is running for charity Home-Start, having seen first-hand how it changes lives.
“I’m so excited but also really ready for it,” said Melissa. It feels surreal after waiting for so long. I ran my own virtual marathon last year in Great Glen Park, Leicester.
“Friends joined me for 5km sections of the run to keep my spirits up and, when I hit a brick wall at mile 23, my two brothers and three friends joined me to help complete the run. It was an amazing experience so I know the real thing in London is going to be emotional.”
A keen runner, Melissa has competed in half-marathons before, but this will be her first full marathon where she has the chance to join thousands of other runners from around the world.
Her passion for Home-Start will be the driving force keeping her running when the going gets tough.
Home-Start is a community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their difficult times.
The charity was founded in Leicester in 1973 and has spread to all four corners of the UK.
It supports more than 33,000 families and 70,000 children each year in the UK.
The charity is based on the simple premise that if parents get support and friendship from another parent, they will be better equipped to learn to cope with the many difficulties life can bring, and will be able to give their children the best possible start to their own lives.
“I know about the wonderful work of Home-Start and how powerful it is through my work with families and young people,” she said.
“One visit can change people’s lives. It’s why I am running.
“More families than ever are isolated or feeling the impacts of Covid. Having a volunteer visiting once a week can make such a difference.
“It may seem small, but actually it is something so big. Knowing a volunteer cares enough to give up their time for you to help and support you, in whatever way works for you, having that contact of support has a huge positive impact on families.”
Melissa has set herself a target of £2,000 and, as of yesterday, was tantalisingly close at £1,860.
To support her, search “Melissa Potts” at: