Isabel runs into friends in London
Supporters give her a boost in marathon challenge
ISABEL Rudgley put her aversion to running aside to take part in the London ndMarathon.
Ms Rudgley took part in dedication to her father Richard who suffered a stroke last year.
And she has exceeded her fundraising expectations, coming back with more than £5,000 for the Stroke Association.
Before the marathon, she told the Newbury Weekly News: “My dad learned to walk again so I can run the marathon.
“I don’t like running, but I was motivated and it [London Marathon] is a mental battle.”
But after completing it in four hours and 42 minutes, she is feeling great.
And she is already signed up for a half marathon.
“I was totally astounded on the day by how fun it was,” she said. “It was a really good atmosphere, there were loads of people doing it for loads of different charities.
“It definitely surprised me. “I was really happy with my time in the end and with how it went on the day.”
She added: “I am really grateful that I had family and friends supporting me.
“Whenever my confidence wavered, I had people popping up in random locations with posters and placards so that made a really big difference.”
Among those cheering her on was her father Richard, 61, who had a brain haemorrhage in May last year while out cycling with a friend.
He spent nearly five weeks in hospital with his children and wife by his side – where Isbel decided she would take on the marathon.
Mr Rudgley, a former senior partner at Thatcham Medical Practice, said: “It was lovely to see her.
“I saw her at three different places: Bermondsey, Canary Wharf and the House of Parliament, so that was great.
“It was an emotional but very happy day.”
The pair have thanked everyone who donated and left words of encouragement.
Miss Rudgley said she sat down on the morning of the marathon and read them all.
“It was great motivation.” she said.
“Every single message on that page has been so heartfelt.
“Especially since the last article, we have had so many lovely messages come in for dad from patients, from people in the village and the local area.
“That definitely helped me on the day.
“And it is amazing that so much money has been raised for such a great organisation.”
Her fundraising link is https://rb.gy/itddnp