Jack goes the distance on a poignant day
ARUNCORN man has completed the London marathon in memory of his grandfather and by poignant coincidence on the anniversary of the date when he died.
Jack Wignall, 27, raised £2,923 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in tribute to Bob Wignall, who died in his 80s from circulatory diseases.
The event was on October 3, the anniversary of Bob’s passing.
Jack had always wanted to run a marathon but hated running.
During lockdown, when other sport was cancelled, Jack started running and decided to sign up to take on the London Marathon, realising the date would have extra meaning for him and his family.
He was among 350 runners to complete the 26-mile feat in aid of the BHF, while 100 further fundraisers took part in virtual marathons.
Jack, who completed the run in 3 hours 56 minutes, said: “Taking part in the London Marathon was a huge challenge and an incredible experience.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s been a long wait to get to the start line and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and the money I’ve raised for the British Heart Foundation.
“The atmosphere on the day was electric and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people on the side lines, especially my family and friends, cheering me on, they really inspire you to keep going and put a smile on your face.
“Knowing that the money I have raised will help the British Heart Foundation raise vital funds for life saving research for people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases was also a huge motivator.”
The BHF said it is trying to make up lost ground from the pandemic.
A spokeswoman for the charity said its income was cut by half last years as nearly all of its fundraising events were cancelled and its shops were forced to close for months at a time.
BHF London Marathon runners have raised more £911,000 so far to support the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart and circulatory diseases, which affect more than 7.6m people in the UK.
Lizzie Moscardini, BHF events manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see Jack’s determination and courage in helping the British Heart Foundation raise life saving funds for people living with heart and circulatory diseases.
“The stories of why our amazing supporters take part never fails to amaze me and it was incredible to be back at this legendary event, cheering Jack and our other BHF runners on.
“It’s thanks to the commitment of people like Jack, that the BHF has been able to continue to fund groundbreaking discoveries including pacemakers and genetic testing for inherited heart conditions that help transform lives.”
To sign up to run for the BHF in next year’s marathon, visit bhf.org